[Mary-Kate Olsen]

When I went to get my snow tires put on the Supra, they sugested I get the car alligned at the same time. So after they were done the guy gave me a copy of the allignment chart. As you can see the allignment was pready messed up. And they did a good job fixing it. all but one part the 'right front caster' reading is still out of wack. My question is the castor on that wheel too far out of spec? Will this cause excess tire ware? The allignment is a lot better now but when I pay fifty bucks I thought they would make sure all the parameters were in spec. Should I be upset with this service? Or am I just spoilled, thinking it should have come out perfect?

 

[Bob]

The "after" results you show don't look all that great. The alignment shop should at least be able to get the toe and camber values the same on each side, or close to the same. Your car is a '98? Then unless it is high mileage the caster should also not be a problem to get in spec. This shop may not be capable of doing the precision job you need - try a place that specializes in Porsches or other exotics. If you can't find one on your own, try calling the Tire Rack and get a recommendation from them.

Bob
97 6-speed

 

[supra_10]

If you happen to be near Hwd area then I could a place for you hat will set it right on the money. $60.

On second thought, if you put on snow tires..., well, you're likely faaaaaaaaaaar away from Hwd...

Let me know.

Jay

 

[Mary-Kate Olsen]

The "after" results you show don't look all that great. The alignment shop should at least be able to get the toe and camber values the same on each side, or close to the same.
Bob
97 6-speed

Okay so you think I could do better. Should I go back and demand my money back from the first place? Or just resign my self to losing $50 and find a better place?

 

[theman]

Definitely go back and complain... The car is easy to adjust actually, it's like having your own race car, all they have to do is turn a bolt here and there and check the reading. The most time involving part is mounting the alignment gear on the car but with stock 17" that's not hard.

Either have them redo it or get the money back, their own spec sheet says it's not correct yet...

 

[supra_10]

You may have a mechanical problem, either from an accident or hitting a pot hole ya da ya da, which may prevent this shop from achieving spec.
I have seen many recent postings on this board that complained about shop's inability to align to spec.
One way to handle it is to talk to that shop and ask them to re-do. If they tell you that there's nothing they can do about it, strike some knd of deal with them that if another shop CAN do it, and you bring them proof to that effect, they will give you your money back.
Or you can give them hell...outright...

Jay

 

[Bob]

From the data you posted, they didn't change the camber on either side - I can't believe the right side couldn't be changed at all...I think the problem is that this shop just does typical "production" work and is not capable of performing a precision alignment. Supra's are much more complex than the average Ford or Honda.

As for getting a refund, you could try it but that depends on how much aggravation you a willing to go through for $50. I suppose you could make a case if you brought in a data sheet from another shop showing that the camber could indeed be set.

Bob
97 6-speed

 

[toypro]

Caster is usally only out when a car has been wrecked-it is possible something may be damaged and not allowing it to be put back in spec. On a normal, undamaged car-the castor should almost never be out.Caster is basicly how the wheel sets-forward or backward in the wheel well

 

[elejes]

What about just taking it to the Toyota dealership?

 

[vande17941]

Typical

This is a typical alignment for a non-specialty shop. Looking at the specs, the car should drive fine. The caster isn't going to cause any tire wear, and the camber is very close to spec. Keep in mind that the camber will change according to the weight placed within the car, such as an additional person or full tank of gas. For street use only, I wouldn't waste my time worrying about it. I think you are fine unless something about the way the vehicle drives (or abnormal tire wear) is bothering you. After all, would you know this vehicle wasn't exactly on "spec" if it wasn't for the computer printout?

However, if you are are racing the car, you will want the car aligned exactly to your specs (which may not be the factory specs). Because, when .01 seconds counts, everything then begins to matter.

 

[Mary-Kate Olsen]

What about just taking it to the Toyota dealership?

This was at the Toyota dealership. Thats why I was disapointed when I read the sheet and saw that every value wasn't corrected.

I wouldn't waste my time worrying about it. I think you are fine unless something about the way the vehicle drives (or abnormal tire wear) is bothering you. After all, would you know this vehicle wasn't exactly on "spec" if it wasn't for the computer printout?

Yes you are correct. I just got the car about a month ago, so I didn't have anything to compare the driving responce to. When they were swaping the tires. The old pair showed tons of excess ware. They were ruined very early. So I'm happy if there should be no more probles, but I still don't feal right about paying for what looks like a sub-par job.