Did I need alignment on 45K service?

[LandRvr Convert]

So I took my 2007 4Runner into the dealer today for the 45K service.

They said alignment is on the list of things to do and said they would not charge me if it didn't need it. Of course it needed it and the bill was $80.

Now with that said, I have never had an alignment done since I purchased the truck new 2 years ago, BUT it drives fine and does not pull to the left or right at all.

My question is can it be out of alignment without it being noticeable or really obvious? The $80 is not a big deal but just wondering if this was really needed.

Any thoughts guys? Thanks.

 

[Mercedes]

needed. Bet it didn't get rid of the infamous steering wheel vibration:behead::dammit:

 

[riverider]

So I took my 2007 4Runner into the dealer today for the 45K service.

They said alignment is on the list of things to do and said they would not charge me if it didn't need it. Of course it needed it and the bill was $80.

Now with that said, I have never had an alignment done since I purchased the truck new 2 years ago, BUT it drives fine and does not pull to the left or right at all.

My question is can it be out of alignment without it being noticeable or really obvious? The $80 is not a big deal but just wondering if this was really needed.

Any thoughts guys? Thanks.

I think you have answered your own question. If it is not pulling or you find uneven wear on front tires, why give them your money.:bash:

You know their going to tell you that it was needed.:driving:

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I think you have answered your own question. If it is not pulling or you find uneven wear on front tires, why give them your money.:bash:

You know their going to tell you that it was needed.:driving:

:iagree: I would also add the alignment can, on occasion, get outta whack in a way that leaves the vehicle driving great and the only telltale is uneven tire wear. If they noted tire wear and "sold" you the alignment based on that maybe they have a valid point...

:cheers:

 

[riverider]

:iagree: I would also add the alignment can, on occasion, get outta whack in a way that leaves the vehicle driving great and the only telltale is uneven tire wear. If they noted tire wear and "sold" you the alignment based on that maybe they have a valid point...

:cheers:

I took my 82 Bronco into where I had bought a set of tires. Hibdon was the dealer, free every 5K rotation came with the deal.

When I went to leave a sales guy informed me I really needed to have it alignment Per the guy who did my rotation, and did I wish them to do it.

I went out and found the guy who worked on my Bronco, asked him about what the sales guy had said.

He said he had driven my Bronco and it was fine as it was, he never said anything about any alignment needed.:flipoff:

People need to really look into what the sales jerks tell you.:cheers:

 

[TNTramair]

you can need an alignment and not realize it. an alignment is like any other maintenance on a vehicle...its done to prevent something, in this case tire wear and pulling etc. its better to get your alignment done/checked than to have it wear you tires down unevenly and find out the hard way. if you havent done an alignment in 45k miles than YES you should have gotten it done. they should've provided you with a piece of paper with the alignment specs on it that showed before and after readings. (atleast thats what we do here).

we suggest alignments once a year or 15k miles but we live in Philadelphia which is the pothole capitol of the world. other places may suggest them with more miles...depending on your area. $80.00 is very reasonable....its actually the same exact price we charge here.

 

[TNTramair]

needed. Bet it didn't get rid of the infamous steering wheel vibration:behead::dammit:

an alignment will NOT correct any type of vibration. alignment will only correct tire wear and if the vehicle is pulling to one side. if you have a vibration its more than likely cause by these few things: these are also listed in order of possibility as in what i would do first....

1. tires are out of balance
2. bad tire- shifted belt
3. bent rim
4. bad wheel bearing
5. loose or worn tie rod end or suspension component.

 

[eskimochaos]

needed. Bet it didn't get rid of the infamous steering wheel vibration:behead::dammit:

I dont have any.....

 

[LandRvr Convert]

Thanks for the info guys. I guess even if the alignment was only a hair out, I want it to be exactly right. Atlanta isn't too bad with potholes but speed breakers are everywhere here especially the ones that go diagonally accross the road and your tires hit it at different times!
I hate those!

I haven't had the steering wheel vibration ever. Smooth as silk driving the 4Runner:guitar2:

 

[riverider]

Thanks for the info guys. I guess even if the alignment was only a hair out, I want it to be exactly right. Atlanta isn't too bad with potholes but speed breakers are everywhere here especially the ones that go diagonally accross the road and your tires hit it at different times!
I hate those!

I haven't had the steering wheel vibration ever. Smooth as silk driving the 4Runner:guitar2:

Well sometimes if the wrong person is doing the alignment it just could be more out then in after their poor quality work. Problem is many times it does not show up as wear for many miles. Then trying to get them to fix things is a real up hill march. Anyway good luck, as you say you want it exactly right.:rocker:

 

[gm350reratliff]

I say needed. The OEMs don't align every vehicle they produce. They know where to put the cambolts and tierod ends to cover the tolerances when they build the vehicle. Some are more off than others. An alignment is usually the first thing I do when I get a vehicle, new or used. GM is by far the worst for being out of spec when new, but they rarely pull to either side. They do eat tires though. My 08 runner was barely out of spec when I first did the alignment. Although I have access to an alignment rack and I know what to do.

 

[VNT]

we suggest alignments once a year or 15k miles but we live in Philadelphia which is the pothole capitol of the world.

I'm pretty sure Chicago can at least match your potholes....

as far as alignment, what previous posters said

 

[riverider]

I'm pretty sure Chicago can at least match your potholes....

as far as alignment, what previous posters said

If a 4Runner front end can't take a few pot holes and some mistreatment, without needing an alignment each Month . Then I have bought the wrong truck.:sadwave:

 

[nc211]

I'm pretty sure Chicago can at least match your potholes....

as far as alignment, what previous posters said

I SECOND THAT!!! Plus, Chicago's method of fixing a pothole, is to turn it into a speed bump! This place has the worst roads of any city I've ever seen, including Philly.

Chances are, after two years and 45k miles, you were probably due for an alignment. But, I assume you rotated your tires more often then that, right?

For the record, if anyone sells you a 4-wheel alignment, or tries to justify a 4-wheel alignment as the reason for the high cost....you can reach over and smack 'em around....as the 4runner can only be aligned via the front wheels. The rears are on solid axle....Lesson I learned shortly after buying mine, and thankfully caught before paying the $140 alignment fee.

Also, I never take any of my cars to an alignment shop that doesn't use the Hunter system with straightrak. My old LS400, due to it's length and utter smoothness, was a ***** to align properly. The only machine I knew that could align it, and balance the tires spot on, the first time, everytime, was the Hunter.... You can find one near you here: www.gsp9700.com

Most dealers have them, and we all know a premium is normally paid for dealership service. But, you'll be happy to know that other, indipendi's, have them too, for cheaper.