Wheel Alignment Check - cost variation

[mikeg]

Looking at getting an alignment check for my MY 22 GTS 4.0 but can't quite understand why there is such a cost variation ?

There are a number of local specialists who are quoting c£100 - £140 using the Hunter Alignment system which covers camber, caster, thrust and toe and includes any adjustment. However when I look at some suspension specialists such as Suspension Secrets in Knutsford or Center Gravity (who also use the Hunter system) the cost is £300 - £500.

Given that there are a limited number of adjustments that can be made, what else do the suspension specialists adjust that a local alignment specialist doesn't ?

 

[ianthow]

Local guys will check that all values are within manufacturer defined tolerances. True specialists will tweak the settings to suit specific uses, e.g. track days, and/or owner preferences. Their services may include corner weight balancing and settings to increase/reduce oversteer/understeer.

 

[malarcy]

there's a difference between "computer says it's all green" and "car is setup to exact spec", often you hear - "yeah, it's hard to get it right because when you change one thing another goes out" - hunter is just a tool - like a decent set of spanners - you are paying for the skill and professionalism of the hands using them.

At the top end as others have said - they will setup the car you suit the way you drive and the way you want it to handle and will spend the time needed to get it right.

Whats the driver behind getting it checked ?

 

[mr pg]

Can only comment on the service at Center Gravity. In addition to the suspension setup which they will discuss with you first to detrmine your useage, they also take the car for a before and after test drive. This will help find any issues with the car before it even gets on the lift. This be things such as wandering, understeer/oversteer on a simple roundabout test, any suspension knocks indicating failing bushes, etc. They do a lot more than putting it on a lift and making sure they setup is in the 'green'.

 

[Lancerlot]

Looking at getting an alignment check for my MY 22 GTS 4.0 but can't quite understand why there is such a cost variation ?

There are a number of local specialists who are quoting c£100 - £140 using the Hunter Alignment system which covers camber, caster, thrust and toe and includes any adjustment. However when I look at some suspension specialists such as Suspension Secrets in Knutsford or Center Gravity (who also use the Hunter system) the cost is £300 - £500.

Given that there are a limited number of adjustments that can be made, what else do the suspension specialists adjust that a local alignment specialist doesn't ?

I did a chassis alignment piece for 991 Register a while back. You can find it here. It may be helpful in explaining the process to you.

Regards,

Clive