Need Insight on Shop Recommendations - Alignment

[Ammunition]

As the title states, I'm in need of recommendations as to where to get an alignment done after recently having my new wheels and tires installed.

Looking within the greater Portland area, but willing to drive to Beaverton and Vancouver if the shop will do a great job - as most of you who know me can guess, my main concern is not having my car nor wheels damaged; I'm not sure what the set-up for most alignment machines are, but I am weary of anything being mounted to, or directly touching the wheels.

I would also like to know what I am getting a good, quality alignment where the technician will take time with it.

Right now all I have to go off of is Yelp reviews, where most people only seem to be concerned about time and price.

I would love to get some recommendation from you guys that have experience with this as this will be my first time getting an alignment for my car, and my first time getting an alignment with and aftermarket set-up.

PLZ HALP and thank you :>

[stockysnail]

I took mine to AR Auto Service on Tuesday and they did a great job. Reviews are great on Yelp as well. They have been recommended to me by a few people. No regrets here.

[Decay107]

+1 for AR Auto, how much adjustment do you have? They charge a flat rate for alignments and it is a little pricey (IMO) for the extremely limited amount of adjustability present in the stock suspension (where only toe is adjustable)

Did you have coil overs, camber bolts, and/or LCAs? I can't remember.

[derek1ee]

why do you need new alignment after changing wheels?

[Ultramaroon]

Hey, Ammo, looky what I got.

[soulreapersteve]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Hey, Ammo, looky what I got.

Keep us updated on what your specs are going to be.. and pics!

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by soulreapersteve

Keep us updated on what your specs are going to be.. and pics!

mkay

[Ammunition]

Originally Posted by derek1ee

why do you need new alignment after changing wheels?

It's generally a good idea when you change any components to the wheels, tires, or suspension that put it out of the factory specs (my wheels went up an inch in size, half an inch in width, and the tires are different) - I probably would put it off until I changed up my suspension, but I'm experiencing a bit of understeer that I think is more than just due to the wheel sizing, and also experiencing a sort of tugging to one side when I maneuver while breaking which is my primary reason for wanting to get this done/checked.

[Ammunition]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Hey, Ammo, looky what I got.

Nice! I should probably pick some of those up before getting an alignment done.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Ammunition

Nice! I should probably pick some of those up before getting an alignment done.

Meh, only if you want to get the front wheels to bite harder. We can have a camber bolt party if you decide to get some.

[Ultramaroon]

@Jmonty, I haven't forgotten. Let's do this week or next.

/

[derek1ee]

Originally Posted by Ammunition

It's generally a good idea when you change any components to the wheels, tires, or suspension that put it out of the factory specs (my wheels went up an inch in size, half an inch in width, and the tires are different) - I probably would put it off until I changed up my suspension, but I'm experiencing a bit of understeer that I think is more than just due to the wheel sizing, and also experiencing a sort of tugging to one side when I maneuver while breaking which is my primary reason for wanting to get this done/checked.

Suspension, yes. Wheels and tires, they don't affect alignment at all. You may say that they require a different alignment spec (e.g. Slicks needs more camber), but I doubt that's what you changed to. Plus it sounds like you don't have the necessary parts to allow dialing in alignment, so I recommend you wait until you do.

When choosing shops, also consider what you need, some shops will work with you to align to your spec, with correct dummy weight in driver seat. While some shop will only align to factory spec. So it's important to know what you want first.

[Ammunition]

Originally Posted by derek1ee

Suspension, yes. Wheels and tires, they don't affect alignment at all. You may say that they require a different alignment spec (e.g. Slicks needs more camber), but I doubt that's what you changed to. Plus it sounds like you don't have the necessary parts to allow dialing in alignment, so I recommend you wait until you do.

When choosing shops, also consider what you need, some shops will work with you to align to your spec, with correct dummy weight in driver seat. While some shop will only align to factory spec. So it's important to know what you want first.

Yeah, I am aware of the fact that some shops will work with you to get you a better alignment based on your needs, that's why I'm looking for recommendations. Semantics aside, something is definitely a bit off with the pulling I'm experiencing with my new set-up, so I want it checked out.

[Ultramaroon]

Sometimes in my eagerness to be helpful, I also forget to read.