Well - after the big brake upgrade (which I had to do the spindle changeout on**)my alignment was WAAAY out. Actually had Positive camber!!

Read thru all the 'do it yourself posts', but opted to have it done by a shop instead.

In numerous previous posts, the Hunter DSP400 was oft-mentioned as THE machine to do the alignment (it is REALLY cool - uses digital cameras and sensors, and actually has screens with SHARK adjustment points on it!)

So - rather then calling around to EVERY Tom, Dick and Harry tire store....I went on to the Hunter website (www.hunter.com). I went to the link for the local reps, and sent them emails asking about the DSP400.

They sent me back very informative emails, and listed 3 locations that had them...
1 - A local tire store - they were backed up for 2-3 days, and even tho they had been recommended by my wrench - for some reason, when I went by there - I didn't get the 'warm fuzzies' from them.
2 - A local GM dealer - NOT - I DO NOT go to car dealers except for COVERED warranty work
3 - Sears! (and they actually had TWO DSP400's!

SEARS!...well - I went by there this morning, had a long talk with their alignment tech, and found a winner. This guy is an alignment fanatic and did a GREAT job! (and - I watched every move - NOPE - No jacking up of the car!!). He wasn't satisfied with the +/- and took the time to get EVERY measurement spot on....explaining everything to me along the way.

$89.95 with a 6-month warranty!

YMMV! <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" />

(**I understand that 928Int'l and 928Spec will soon have brake adapters for the 85-86 that will NOT require the spindle swap!)

 

Mark,

I am currently in the process of correcting my ride height on my S4 and then will be taking it to a local shop with a Hunter (they were highly recommended). So I am really looking forward to having a good alignment done. How does your S drive now ?

Rob

 

Mark, thanks for the Hunter info.

 

I've sent the area Hunter rep an email inquiring about local shops that use the DSP400.

Maybe I'll finally find a place around here that can do a proper alignment.

Thanks Mark.

 

We have brake spindle adapters for using S4 and other radial mount calipers on both pre S and up to 85.5...have had them for years!!!!

In Chrome Moly, not aluminum.

Marc
DEVEK

 

Mark,

I had a similar experience at a Sears about ten years ago. Lately I have been trying to find a good alignment locally, and am ready to go back to Sears.

 

Mark, glad to hear that you found a decent shop for your alignment. I currently work for an American OEM as an alignment engineering specialist. I would also reiterate that Hunter's DSP400 system is the only equipment to have an alignment done on. All other equipment has between 30% to 40% error in its accuracy, not really worth getting it done if you could walk away with an alignment that is 40% off. The DSP400 system has around 15% error, awww much better.

Also, if you have the luxury of working with a good technician, have him take 2 measurements before he takes it off the rack to verify the measurement. You also might want to check the last time the shop's equipment has been calibrated, as if one of the wheel targets has been dropped (happens all the time) the measurements could be in error due to the slightest damage to the target (we are dealing with tenths of a degree, which translates to a fraction of a mm of movement on the 928).

 

Took 'Baby' out for a run last nite.

Tracks ABSOLUTELY straight and true with 'no hands' at 'slightly' above the 70mph speed limit.
Brand new Yokos...after about 200 miles, not even the SLIGHTEST hint of wear - even on those itty-bitty grooves where the tread meets the sidewalls!

Also tested the brakes/alignment with a high-speed hands-off HARD braking (just shy of locking 'em up)...DEAD STRAIGHT!

NOW - anybody have any suggestions on tire balancing equipment?? The new tires that I just put on develop a good little vibration at about 90 (Gee, Officer...I was trying to pass that BIG truck!)

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by marc@DEVEK:
<strong>We have brake spindle adapters for using S4 and other radial mount calipers on both pre S and up to 85.5...have had them for years!!!!

In Chrome Moly, not aluminum.

Marc
DEVEK</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Sure wish I had know that. Woulda saved me a LOT of hassle! Marc, I looked at your site and didn't see the adapters. Only the "Full" upgrade kit...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mark:
NOW - anybody have any suggestions on tire balancing equipment?? The new tires that I just put on develop a good little vibration at about 90.

Mark, Hunter also makes the best tire balancing equipment.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Beskow:
<strong>[QUOTE]Mark, Hunter also makes the best tire balancing equipment.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Thanks, Nate - Any particular model to look for?

I was under the impression that most all run the balance at ~45mph...I want a good hi speed balance...~80-100mph...IS there such an animal out there??

 

Mark, if you can find a Hunter GSP9700 vibration control system in your area you will be set, it will not only give you the most accurate tire balance but will also help solve other tire/wheel related vibration issues. It can also balance at variable speeds. If you can't find a GSP9700, then go with a DSP9000 or higher tire balancer. These will only balance at 330RPM though. Good luck!

 

Thanks again, Nate -

I just emailed the local Hunter gang and will see what they say!

 

ACTUALLY - The Hunter.com website has links for you to find a GSP9700 near you!