Would you pay for an alignment?

[Ps3alltheway]

Ok so here is my question , I don't know what to do , sure this sound stupid but I really am curious about what you guys think about this .
Ok so I got this Toyota 4 Runner 1995 that i bought a few months ago to go in trails and mud with it , I didn't pay a very high price for the truck .
The last owner changed the tie-rod , but never did an alignment . I't didn't bother me at first because i didn't use it that much , but now i started using it more as a everyday vehicule and it is very annoying to have a shaking wheel all the time .

The truck starts like a new everyday and engine and tranny are still very good .
But , the truck as a long list of things to be repaired/maintained
-oil leak comming from somewhere near drainplug
-batery light is always on , cant find the source of the problem (checked everything , used a voltmeter to test the alternator and everything seems fine)
-Check engine has been on since day one
-a lot of rust
-needs a new rear bumper
-Transmission fluid , power stering fluid , anti-freeze fuild are probably due for a flush since a long time
-i don't have a clue when theses things were replaced : the spark plugs , fuel filter and all thoses things you need to tune every few years
-it has over 160 000 miles .

 

[blaniac22]

Alignment wouldn't cause a shaking steering wheel...most likely need to have them rebalanced. But before that, make sure you don't have any mud packed in the wheel that is throwing it off - especially if you've been going off road. Just a suggestion.

Aside for alignment, determine how it tracks - does it pull in one direction or another? If you "briefly" let go of the steering wheel does it stay centered and the vehicle track straight? Be sure the road surface is level. Check the tire wear, which could tell you whether you have an alignment problem or not.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

How long do you plan on keeping the truck? Cost vs benefit. But when I buy any new vehicle it gets the complete "once over" from me.

 

[Ps3alltheway]

The steering pulls to the right and i've notice the right side of my front tires wear faster than the rest .

I plan using the truck until it dies on me . I love the truck , but it is not in that of a good shape . I was planning on using it this winter , since it has 4x4 and i've never tried that in the snow . It has winter tires already on (owner bought them new last year) .

 

[KB084RUNNER]

I think I would get it aligned. Then do a fluid replacement DIY for the whole driveline. Probably cost you $150 total.

My whole "once over" for a used vehicle is:

1. engine tune up & air filter & serpentine belt
2. all driveline fluids R&R (engine,trans,tcase,diffs)
3. engine coolant drain fill
4. p/steer fluid drain fill
5. brake reline & fluid flush (if pads are more than 60% worn) if not just fluid flush.
6. tires. (if they need it)
7. alignment.
8. battery

This whole DIY service would cost me about $440 if I didn't need tires. But then I can trust my vehicle to be reliable.

 

[blaniac22]

I think I would get it aligned. Then do a fluid replacement DIY for the whole driveline. Probably cost you $150 total.

My whole "once over" for a used vehicle is:

1. engine tune up & air filter & serpentine belt
2. all driveline fluids R&R (engine,trans,tcase,diffs)
3. engine coolant drain fill
4. p/steer fluid drain fill
5. brake reline & fluid flush (if pads are more than 60% worn) if not just fluid flush.
6. tires. (if they need it)
7. alignment.
8. battery

This whole DIY service would cost me about $440 if I didn't need tires. But then I can trust my vehicle to be reliable.

The steering pulls to the right and i've notice the right side of my front tires wear faster than the rest .

I plan using the truck until it dies on me . I love the truck , but it is not in that of a good shape . I was planning on using it this winter , since it has 4x4 and i've never tried that in the snow . It has winter tires already on (owner bought them new last year) .

In that case - if you're going to be driving it on the road more often than planned originally, get it aligned and track down the source of the vibration. Then follow the good advice posted above.

 

[SUBTEGRAL]

$56.25 at Les Schwab for front-end alignment.

I had to take it back to them a second time in order for them to straighten my steering wheel like they originally told me they would also do ..