strut question

[FatherTime]

I'm replacing the rear struts in my 09 Vibe base and am wondering whether I need to have a rear wheel alignment done. I got 2 estimates for the strut work, one wanted to charge for the alignment, the other never mentioned it as necessary. Can't be both.

[SeattleJeremy]

You have a base Vibe. The fixed beam rear has nothing to adjust. Which is annoying, especially if something is out of alignment. The only thing we can do to fix it, is replace the rear sub-frame.

When changing the front struts a wheel alignment is required.

Maybe find an alignment shop that will do the front only?

[zbyers]

As Jeremy said, if FWD, no need for alignment if replacing JUST the rear struts. It is recommended to align it after replacing the front struts. However, I have replaced the fronts on a few of ours, and we never aligned afterwards and it still tracks straight. No ill tire wear either.

[FatherTime]

Well thanks for the feedback. I'm getting a bit suspect about this one particular auto shop. Every time I get an estimate there they include work that is not necessary, misquote from the service manual such as "your way overdue for spark plug service" (when it's not due for another 10k miles), or quote ridiculous prices like $450 to change 4 spark plugs. When I asked why it's so high he blathered something about access to the plugs. Being curious, when I got home I popped the cover off the engine for the first time and yeah, there is no access issue. Scary thing is, they have a fairly busy shop, which makes me wonder how many people are being taken advantage of.

[zbyers]

The book for a first gen vibe calls for an hour on spark plugs. Second gen won't be much different, so $450 is overkill.

That could just be their "I don't wanna do this quote." Same thing with adding in an alignment on rear struts, especially since you can't align the rear end.

[FatherTime]

That could just be their "I don't wanna do this quote." Same thing with adding in an alignment on rear struts, especially since you can't align the rear end.

You mean they don't want to do the work, so they're quoting high? Not sure what you are saying.

[zbyers]

That could just be their "I don't wanna do this quote." Same thing with adding in an alignment on rear struts, especially since you can't align the rear end.

You mean they don't want to do the work, so they're quoting high? Not sure what you are saying.

precisely.

[Bookworm]

Well thanks for the feedback. I'm getting a bit suspect about this one particular auto shop. Every time I get an estimate there they include work that is not necessary, misquote from the service manual such as "your way overdue for spark plug service" (when it's not due for another 10k miles), or quote ridiculous prices like $450 to change 4 spark plugs. When I asked why it's so high he blathered something about access to the plugs. Being curious, when I got home I popped the cover off the engine for the first time and yeah, there is no access issue. Scary thing is, they have a fairly busy shop, which makes me wonder how many people are being taken advantage of.

Pep Boys?

[Bookworm]

The book for a first gen vibe calls for an hour on spark plugs. Second gen won't be much different, so $450 is overkill.

That could just be their "I don't wanna do this quote." Same thing with adding in an alignment on rear struts, especially since you can't align the rear end.

So, I shouldn't bother getting a 4 wheel alignment, is what you're saying?

Why isn't that listed in the manual?

[zbyers]

The book for a first gen vibe calls for an hour on spark plugs. Second gen won't be much different, so $450 is overkill.

That could just be their "I don't wanna do this quote." Same thing with adding in an alignment on rear struts, especially since you can't align the rear end.

So, I shouldn't bother getting a 4 wheel alignment, is what you're saying?

Why isn't that listed in the manual?

If you have a FWD, you wouldn't actually be getting a 4 wheel alignment. The only way you can really align the rear if it is out of spec, is to shim it. However, they will still likely attach the machine to the rear wheels to make sure it isn't messed up.

EDIT: to note, yeah, you really don't NEED an alignment when replacing the struts. When replacing the struts myself, as I tighten the two bolts holding the spindle to the strut, you usually pull the strut OUTWARD (towards you). Someone told me something about the way suspension geometry works, that that usually keeps it aligned within reason that you should be good to go. Haven't had any issues doing it that way. *shrug*

[FatherTime]

[/quote]

Pep Boys?
[/quote]

No. Chain store though. Probably shouldn't mention the name.

[FatherTime]

[/quote]

You mean they don't want to do the work, so they're quoting high? Not sure what you are saying.
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precisely.
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Thing is, the guy spent at least 10 minutes on the computer whipping up a list of things he felt was necessary to do, prioritizing, and included the prices. I don't think he would do that if he didn't want my business. I think he wanted my wallet.

[Bookworm]

You mean they don't want to do the work, so they're quoting high? Not sure what you are saying.

precisely.

Thing is, the guy spent at least 10 minutes on the computer whipping up a list of things he felt was necessary to do, prioritizing, and included the prices. I don't think he would do that if he didn't want my business. I think he wanted my wallet.

That's kind of the experience my father had with Pep Boys the first (and only) time he took a car there. He's a mechanical engineer, and up until recently, always did his own car repairs (unless tools would be an issue). He went in for a single problem, and the local Pep Boys pulled a "Oh, yeah, you need X, and Y, and Q, and P, and R, and then your original problem will cost H. "

[Pauls325]

If you are doing suspension work its never a bad idea to have the alignment checked, most shops will check alignment for free, they do attach sensors to all four wheels , the rear wheels determine the thrust angle of the car, so basically the front is aligned based on the rear, if the rear is out by a significant margin it can be changed using shims, most shops will charge wheel bearing labor to align the rear. however i have never heard of a shop offer different pricing if only the front needs adjustment.

[zbyers]

If you are doing suspension work its never a bad idea to have the alignment checked, most shops will check alignment for free, they do attach sensors to all four wheels , the rear wheels determine the thrust angle of the car, so basically the front is aligned based on the rear, if the rear is out by a significant margin it can be changed using shims, most shops will charge wheel bearing labor to align the rear. however i have never heard of a shop offer different pricing if only the front needs adjustment.

On the 03-08 FWD Vibe, there is no adjustment to the rear. Some shops may be willing to shim it, if they can get or have shims. But for the most part, they leave well enough alone.

Many local shops I've seen have rates for a 2-wheel alignment, or a 4-wheel alignment. usually 2-wheel is like $75. and 4-wheel is around $100 or so.