new tires. do I need alignment?
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From: Ocala, FL
Depends on the wear pattern of the old ones. If the wear pattern was normal I would say that there is no need for an alignment... mount and balance should be fine in that case...
A wear pattern that is different from normal would suggest the need for an alignment.
imho of course...
A wear pattern that is different from normal would suggest the need for an alignment.
imho of course...
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
Considering how much my tires cost per set ($1200 or so) I always get an alignment when I buy new tires. The alignment only costs about $75 so I think it's a relatively cheap way to ensure that these expensive tires wear properly.
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From: Madison, WI
Originally Posted by JFScheck
Unless they are the exact same tires, get a realignment...
I'm a big believer in having alignment done at least once if not twice a year (shoot, $1000 for rears on the Turbo is the only justification I need).......but mounting new rubber on rims has no direct relation to wheel allignment.
Tip.......handy always to request (and let them know you expect) a print-out of the align when complete..........it will show before & after........and if Pcar correct, will show Porsche spec 'ranges' for each. If you take an 'active roll' in tire wear, handling, etc......you may wish to provide input to them on the next align.....example: that they stay on the high-side of front camber range or whatever (as your handling, wear success, inflation, etc, from the last align has proven out).
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From: NYC / FL
Another tip: even if you go to a relatively well-informed alignment place, many wrenches abide by the 'set the toe and go' method. It's a good idea to become well informed on the intricacies of alignment (camber, caster, toe) and learn how each variable affects the car's handling characteristics. Then, when you go to get your car aligned, ask for the Before and After measurements so that you can compare what changes, if any, were made to the car.
Personally, I'm an alignment dork. I'm the annoying guy in Tire Kingdom arguing over tenths with the mouthbreather behind the counter about my truck. The whole 'specified range' thing seems to me like a bad joke: just tell us exactly where it needs to be, and we'll put it there. And $275 for an alignment seems very, very high. I don't think an alignment should be more than $150. I can't see how a qualified mechanic would take more than two hours to perform an alignment on a modern car, especially using the newfangled laser machines at many high line dealerships.
Personally, I'm an alignment dork. I'm the annoying guy in Tire Kingdom arguing over tenths with the mouthbreather behind the counter about my truck. The whole 'specified range' thing seems to me like a bad joke: just tell us exactly where it needs to be, and we'll put it there. And $275 for an alignment seems very, very high. I don't think an alignment should be more than $150. I can't see how a qualified mechanic would take more than two hours to perform an alignment on a modern car, especially using the newfangled laser machines at many high line dealerships.
