Anyone knows how to do wheel alignments the X?

Daskid · Aug 21, 2009, 01:19 AM

I tried looking for a DIY on how to do wheel alignments on the X and can't find one. Can anybody so kind enough to post detailed instructions on how to do both front and rear wheels? And tools needed? Basically, a full blown DIY.

This would be nice to know since wheel alignments from where I live goes about $100-$120 a pop.

I bet auto-X peeps can chime in.

Thanks!

irmerm · Aug 21, 2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daskid

I tried looking for a DIY on how to do wheel alignments on the X and can't find one. Can anybody so kind enough to post detailed instructions on how to do both front and rear wheels? And tools needed? Basically, a full blown DIY.

This would be nice to know since wheel alignments from where I live goes about $100-$120 a pop.

I bet auto-X peeps can chime in.

Thanks!

Well, the first item needed for a DIY alignment is an alignment rack... you got one of those?

Evonemic · Aug 21, 2009, 01:49 PM

^^ nice.. how much are those.. worth putting in anyones garage.

stokEd · Aug 21, 2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daskid

This would be nice to know since wheel alignments from where I live goes about $100-$120 a pop.

If there's a Firestone or Goodyear service center nearby they sell lifetime alignments for $150.

LVSBB6 · Aug 21, 2009, 04:51 PM

there is no such thing as DIY alignment......

goofygrin · Aug 21, 2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVSBB6

there is no such thing as DIY alignment......

*cough* bull****.

You need a camber gauge (accurate, not the bubble kind) and toe plates. I recommend longacre products.

Or you can go with the string alignment method. Google those items and you'll be on your way.

If you've never done one, helped do one or at least watched a tech do one up close, this is something you shouldn't be doing yourself. Pay the $150 for a lifetime at Firestone and move on.

Daskid · Aug 22, 2009, 05:14 PM

Hmmm.. okay, nevermind....

jmorris1027 · Aug 23, 2009, 03:46 PM

I think if $120 for an alignment is gonna break the bank, maybe an evo isn't the car you should own. Just my .02

Daskid · Aug 23, 2009, 08:49 PM

Never said it'll break the bank. Just curious if it's possible for a DIY.

tephra · Aug 24, 2009, 08:04 AM

before you spend the money on an alignment get some camber tops for the stock suspension.

stock front suspension is NOT camber adjustable on the Evo.

ethan169 · Aug 24, 2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stokEd

If there's a Firestone or Goodyear service center nearby they sell lifetime alignments for $150.

WOW thats a pretty sweet deal! 150 for a lifetime? As in go in whenever you need to realign? Even after new suspension or something like that?

I going to look into this now. As a single 4 wheel alignment averages 80-90 bones.

-Ethan

LaXGSR · Aug 24, 2009, 04:21 PM

I don't really trust Firestone to touch my car. I've had good luck with the string alignment method, and I think I can get the toe more accurate than a Firestone tech would. For camber, you can do it with a carpenter square and ruler, or I recently switched to a digital laser level. It's definitely not easy, and will probably take you 3+ hours the first time you do it. Like others have said, it's much easier to just get a shop to do it if you trust them, but it's also not impossible (or even that hard really) to DIY. Just search here (evo 9 forums) or nasioc for DIY alignment threads.

Daskid · Aug 24, 2009, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tephra

before you spend the money on an alignment get some camber tops for the stock suspension.

stock front suspension is NOT camber adjustable on the Evo.

Any link to this camber tops? Is this another term for camber plates? So are you saying it's needed on all four wheels?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaXGSR

I don't really trust Firestone to touch my car. I've had good luck with the string alignment method, and I think I can get the toe more accurate than a Firestone tech would. For camber, you can do it with a carpenter square and ruler, or I recently switched to a digital laser level. It's definitely not easy, and will probably take you 3+ hours the first time you do it. Like others have said, it's much easier to just get a shop to do it if you trust them, but it's also not impossible (or even that hard really) to DIY. Just search here (evo 9 forums) or nasioc for DIY alignment threads.

Yeah, I don't like the fact that Firestone techs have a high risk of gouging your wheels and denying it once you notice it. Plus, when they do a test drive, you don't know if they improperly beat the crap out of your car. Although, $150 is a sweet deal...

I will look into that DIY. Thanks!

tipoytm · Aug 24, 2009, 04:50 PM

Wow... lifetime alignment for that cheap? Maybe you mean if you buy the tires from them and it goes with the lifetime of your tires? $150 is not a lot of money if you are talking about the whole lifetime of the car... they'd be losing a lot of $$$ if you keep your ride for 5-10 years lol, and have it aligned every year.

wevo1985 · Aug 24, 2009, 04:56 PM

their is a dyi alingment, but very hard to do. and you have to put holes in the ground you doing it on. i learned it when i was in school and its not fun at all. its also not perfect at all so on a car like this i wouldnt recomend. to bad you guys arent around here. we only charge 89.99 for them and we have all the new machines.