OK...I Have to Vent!!!

[Fuzzylogic]

I needed a front end alignment (inside of the front driver's side was cupping and vehicle pulled left).

First...I took it to the dealer. No noticable improvement in driving dynamics...but gave them the benefit of then doubt.

Two or three weeks later, I noticed the cupping was getting far worse. So, I stopped in at Pep Boys Auto Center and asked them to do an alignment yesterday. They confirmed the caster and camber were still out and "fixed" it.

Today, while driving, I noticed a rattling noise in the front end. When I got home, I checked the steering linkages and found the locking nuts totally free. I tightened them..but will stop there in the morning to ask them to do a complete re-check of the alignment.

Here's the real kicker. When I called them, the (Pep Boys) manager's first words were, "I don't know what to tell you." Unbelievable.

Why in the world can't the dealership and/or a "professional" suspension shop get basic alignment right?

 

[Jensent]

I dont know, but I took our 2004 Tundra to the local Toyota dealer for the "lower ball-joint" recall. It included an alinement I was assured. Three weeks later I noticed the inside of both front tires wearing badly. Called and was told "we will take care of it". Like a fool I believed them. Took the truck in and the front end was checked. I was told that nothing was wrong the alignment showed "settings to be within factory specs". Handed me a bill for$150. They tried to sell me four tires for $900. I left in disgust! No sense in trying to reason with them. Took it to an independent shop, alignment was corrected, $60. Rotated tires front to back and drove the truck 6000mi before replacing the tires. Same tires brand etc that the dealer tried to sell me for $630. Some things make no sense!

 

[FERAL 4R]

That's an unfortunate circumstance. Sh!tty shotty work seems to be the norm, and it happens more often than not. I think some (not all) people just don't give a crap any more.

I would avoid Pep Boys, and find another dealer or a dedicated tire shop.

 

[oldsweng]

Brand of vehicle doesn't change this problem. The factory alignment specs for most brands tend to be a little "loose" for some reason. One of the first things I did after purchasing a new 2007 BMW M3 was to take it to a tire shop for a proper alignment and it was "on the edge" of factory specs and they brought it into proper alignment. I did the same thing with my '07 FJ and '10 4R with the same result.