Getting new 16" wheels with winters, do I need to do wheel alignment?
 

Hi All, noob question. First RWD car and first 2nd set of wheels/tires.

I am getting a new 'winter tire and wheel package' from tirerack. Called the local tirerack recommended installer about doing the swap ($9 ea) and he said they recommend also getting wheel alignment ($90) done when doing the wheel swap. I'm trying to keep costs down, do I really need to get the wheel alignment done at the same time? Car is only 6 months old and 6000mi.

In case it matters, the wheel I am getting is -

MSW type 14 16" ($89) Size: 16x7, Offset: 38mm (I would have gone steelies but they are sold out)

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...&association=1

And the tire I have not decided yet (either the Altimax or Pirelli Winter Carving Edge or the Sottozero)

I've swapped wheels many times without an alignment with no problems. If you're just swapping the wheel and the outer diameter is the same, suspension geometry shouldn't be affected.

Also, why are you driving out and paying someone to change your wheels? It's pretty easy... My baby sister does it herself.

Only time you need alignment is when lowering or raising or changing actual suspension components. Or when you really hit something hard and put stuff outta whack. Also as said ya do it yourself a ten minute job easy peazy cover girl ...

Yes, (from what I have read here on other threads) the 205/55R16 tires that I am getting are supposed to be almost the same outer diameter as the stock 215/45R17

About doing it myself LOL, I guess because I don't have the tools that (I think) I need (torque wrench, jack stands).... maybe I should buy them....

no alignment needed

breaker bar, jack, torque wrench

will cost you maybe the price of two wheel swaps from a shop, not to mention the gas and time you save

You don't need an alignment. The change in circumference is very very small. I like this wheel and tire size calculator a lot. The wheel size (width/offset) doesn't matter, but the tire size does. Here's a comparison of the setup you mentioned:

e: this is the exact setup you're looking at. Stock is on the left and the new ones are on the right. The stuff marked in red at the bottom is what's important for this question. Diameter or circumference. Bigger/smaller wheels will change the geometry of the suspension components, which cause the wheel to sit at a different angle. If they're close, you aren't going to gain much from an alignment.

http://i.imgur.com/6XARrpv.png

PS - do it yourself! Like someone up above said, buy the tools. Alternately, buy a case of beer and ask a buddy. Don't be embarrassed about asking. If someone came to me with a 12 pack and said "I need help putting on my winter wheels but I didn't want to pay a shop 40 bucks" I'd be more than happy to help them.

Great info, thanks for the posts everyone, appreciate it. I think I will get the tools and try this myself.

That's the spirit!!! You gotta start somewhere.

Soon you'll be engine-swapping like a pro.

Tires and Wheels ordered! I went with the Altimax. Tools ordered! Here I go! LOL :)

Nice, watch some DIY wheel change videos on youtube and you are good to go. Torque the bolts on to 89ft-lb :)

Just to clarify, even if the diameter was different you still wouldn't need an alignment. Wheels/tires are not part of the alignment, the only time you would need an alignment when swapping wheels is if the offset/width is different and you're adjusting the alignment to avoid rubbing (which isn't the case here at all).

if you were closer i'd do it for a handie

assuming your hands are soft, which i'm pretty sure they are

Lol. Well that's the internet for you. Thanks but I have the tools on the way. Hahahahaha

When you get the wheels on, post up a new topic in this area with specs and photos so I can add them to the Wheel Directory! Thanks.