Where to get an alignment after lowering?

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Jerrod (Knellblast)
Posts: 37
Joined: Wed Apr 14, 2004 9:55 am

Where to get an alignment after lowering?

Post by Jerrod (Knellblast) »

From what I understand, I'll need to get a front-end alignment on the Vibe after I lower it this weekend. Question is, where should I get it done? I want cheap, but I don't want a hassle. Does anyone know a good place with a good price?
'04 base model, abyss, manual.Mods: Removed roof racks & Vibe badging; added reflective black overlays to front & steering wheel Pontiac stars; shorty antenna; Tein S-tech springs; 18x8" Mille Miglia EV-S wheels; black calipers; 17% tint all around; Mr. Grille billet grille; Silverstar headlights, foglights, & turn signals; custom "fatigue mat" mats in cargo area; & tinted license plate cover.
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (Jerrod (Knellblast))

Post by MadBill »

It's definetly a worthwhile precaution to get an alignment after lowering, if for no other reason than that the factory doesn't always get it right in the first place. Being a twist axle (except for AWD), there should be no change at the rear after lowering, although at least one member found it out of spec at stock height and had to have it corrected via shims, using a crash repair process. In the front, most members have found little or no change, and what there is is usually attributable to the slop in the strut mounting bolts and holes. Bottom line: It should be done for peace of mind, but you're not going to fry the tires in 2 days if you can't go straight from the spring change to the alignment shop. (In fact many people advocate putting a few hundred bumpy miles on the car first, just to ensure everything has settled into it's final position.
scherry2
Posts: 4073
Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2003 8:02 am

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (Jerrod (Knellblast))

Post by scherry2 »

I'd just go to the local alignment shop they should be able to check it cheaper than the dealer. I would drive it for a week or so before taking it in.I took mine to the dealer but its just personal preference. how much did you lower the vibe?
Nervous_Dog
Posts: 316
Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2003 1:56 am

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (Jerrod (Knellblast))

Post by Nervous_Dog »

I had my Sunfire GT done at Belle Tire after I lowered it. Since they sell lowering springs I felt they would have more experience aligning lowered cars. It was less then $50.
Nervous Dog2003 Monotone Lava GT w/ M&T and PowerMods: 18" Bronze Tenzo-R Mean Six rims w/ Kumho MX12" Rockford Fosgate Punch Sub in slot ported box2 - Rockford Fosgate Punch 201S amps2 pair - Rockford Fosgate P162C in front/rear doorsSony Xplod 5710 head unitHidden Hitch
Triton
Posts: 2198
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 am

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (Nervous_Dog)

Post by Triton »

I had mine done at a dealership for $42. Belle Tire didn't have the alignment specs for the Vibe when I lowered mine.
***SOLD***2003 Vibe GT Monotone Neptune - Inaugural October 2004 Vibe of the Month***SOLD***

Now the proud owner of Titanium Silver 2012 Kia Optima SX
nismo
Posts: 2068
Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 11:01 pm

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (Jerrod (Knellblast))

Post by nismo »

Paid $25 bucks for a front end alignment on my brother's car. Cheap prices. Let me know. By the way, how far is fraiser from dearborn? If it's too far, don't worry bout it. Inder Singh
2008 Chevy Cobalt SS Turbo - Fun stuff under there somewhere 1998 Nissan Sentra - Sold2004 Pontiac Vibe - 107k and SoldCosmo CAI
Psychobroker
Posts: 2492
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2003 6:09 am

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (scherry2)

Post by Psychobroker »

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »I'd just go to the local alignment shop they should be able to check it cheaper than the dealer. I would drive it for a week or so before taking it in.I took mine to the dealer but its just personal preference. how much did you lower the vibe?My dealership gave me one free alignment under warranty, so you might want to check yours for the same.
Merzbow
Posts: 4280
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 12:51 pm

Re: Where to get an alignment after lowering? (Psychobroker)

Post by Merzbow »

I just went into Jim Causley a month ago and they gave me alignment for $15.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/541918-1999 Infiniti Q45t-2003 base Vibe (Rest in peace my love)-2002 Ducati Monster 620 Dark
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