It is about time to do a 4 wheel allignment. I will be putting new tyres on her soon, so how much should a good job cost..dealer vs private individual. Should I even trust a independent shop with my gal?? Thanks

 

I would trust a competent technician at a sleazy shop than a lain-brain guy at a dealership (not that I am saying dealership guys are not competent, just showing extremes here). The alignment is only as good as the guy doing the job. So, do some looking around and see who you find. Unfortunately, both of the shops that I have tried in my area are complete @#$%!!!! So, I will be attempting to find another person worth their weight that can do alignments. Granted, that should be happening here soon once I can find a suitable piece to allow for adjustment of the camber for the rear of the car. Got a good lead, just need to do some more looking around and confirming a few numbers.

 

I agree with Thermo. It doesn't really matter where you go, it's only as good as the guy doing it. I actually like the local shop more because I was able to watch what he did an make sure that he didn't damage anything and actually got to see the measurements change. I would have loved to do the alignment myself, but I do not have the expensive equipment. See if your local shop will let you be a lookie-loo.

Another benefit of a local shop is a talked to the guy and told him I was going to swap some bushings out to see if it helped my rear camber. He said he would set up the machine free for me as long as he got to choose the time and I could check/tweak it on his lift for free.

 

I'd recommend shopping around. Two days ago I had my alignment done at the local dealership for $99. There was a special the dealer was running. I've also had it done at an independent shop for $130. Guess it just depends. Make a few calls, visit a few websites. I'm sure you could get on an email distribution list somewhere and receive coupons/discounts as they're made available.

I actually felt the tech at the dealer did a better job, the car feels silky smooth. But, I'm sure it won't last long on these infernal DC streets. Seems I need an alignment every three months around here.

I'm sure everyone has both similar and different experiences to share, such is life.

 

Just had mine done at the Firestone here. $85.00 inc. tax
Gary

 

Thermo.....what ae yoour fellings on Camber Kits? I know there is no one available for DA-X but maybe from another car

 

DA-X, funny you should mention that. I am actually doing a little bit of research right now to see if I can cross a part or two from another vehicle to see if it will work. My current line is looking into what options a 2003 SVT Ford Focus may have for us. The parts should be fairly close. The big issue I have not overcome is making sure that the mounts use the same size fastener. Should, but I want to garantee that.

If you know someone with a SVT Focus, I will tell you the measurements I need and we can go from there.

As for using a camber kit, GO FOR IT!!!!!! You are only going to make things better for your car. As soon as I can find a viable alternative for my car, that is what I am installing.

 

Thermo, what kind of camber kit have you found that will install on the xtype? I am in dire need of finding one. I have looked for universal camber kits but haven't found one that has fit that I have come across yet.

 

disguay, the line that I am following right now is using an adjustable arm from a Ford SVT Focus. PLEASE!!!!! I have not confirmed that this will or will not work. I am needing to get my hands on some parts, do some measurements to see if the part will physically fit into the vehicle. The parts look close according to pictures, but there is a lot more to it than just that. If you are willing to buy a set to be the guinea pig, then look on E-bay. A set of adjustable arms runs about $120 or so. Otherwise, your solution right now is to replace the upper control arms for the rear suspension using Jag parts.

 

Just aligned my Kat after struts, and tierods. Funny enough, my local ford dealer said they couldn't do it cuz they didn't have "specs". So I went to my local Chrysler dealer, $75 on their Hunter laser four wheel alignment rack, straight as an arrow now!

 

thermo, I have checked all of my control arms to find my front lower control arm out some time ago. I replaced this with new OEM parts and was able to correct the camber by about .7 degrees, but I am still sitting on 2.1 degrees. I am even getting to the point that I am selling my full sized spare for a donut from an stype to reduce the weight in the rear. I will have paypal credit in a matter of days, and I would love to be the guinea pig if it means saving my tires. If you could keep me posted, and I will do the same, I would love to solve this mystery especially after x types have started getting older and thus will have suspension sag from the years.

 

are you looking at these:
Ford Focus Adjustable Rear Toe (Control) Arms Links w/Boots. 1 Pair | eBay
or these:
00-07 FORD FOCUS ADJUSTABLE REAR CAMBER ARM CONTROL KIT | eBay

 

Dealer did mine last year. $119 I think it was but it may have been a little less. I had it done during the 30k service.