leperboy

I took my car in to Big O to have my new tires installed today and they asked if I wanted an alignment. I told them no, I needed to settle the car first, but was surprised they wanted to work on a 928.

They have a Hunter DSP600 alignment machine. I asked them if they align without lifting. Apparently with this machine they leave the car on the ground and roll it forward and back. I looked at the manual and it shows they have the specs for the 928.

So, is the DSP600 okay for our alignments? Or should I look for someone with a DSP400?

Matt

Rob Edwards

Isn't the DSP600 50% better than the DSP400?

leperboy

Well, we didn't get into the math of it, but the guys there did tell me that they thought 600 was better than 400, in a quantitative sense. 200 better, in fact.

It would be sweet to get a 50% better than correct alignment.

Matt

Bill51sdr

As long as they're not attempting to align the car immediately after the tire installation, you should be in good hands. You're correct in telling them that the suspension needs to settle first. Take it back to them in a few days .

Bill Ball

Matt: Put a bunch of miles on the car. I checked my car after jacking the front. It took 60 miles of rough highway to settle it. After 30 miles, it had settled 10mm. 8 more after the next 30 miles.

leperboy

Thanks, Bill. I plan to put 100 on. Right now we've got some good potholes and sinkholes due to the snow and rapid melting, so things should settle pretty quick.

Matt

FlyingDog

Aren't the Hunters like those capable of doing the pull down method for aligning the front?

Bill Ball

They have pulldown attachment? Never seen it.

They do have a bump steer measurement system, but that is an option - that involves pulling the car down with a winch.

jheis

I & several others I know have used the local Big O shop - ~$70 for a four wheel alignment - right on spec. Just make sure they know (tell the service writer & remind the tech) not to lift the car.

James