Honda mechanic told me alignment is not necessary, is that true?

coupdetat · #1 (**permalink**) 02-07-2008, 10:48 PM

I've heard that getting an alignment is highly recommended from people on this forum. However, both my regular Honda mechanic and the service tech at the Honda dealership told me an alignment would not be required after lowering with GF210's. The dealership guy just said to see if the car pulled to one side after dropping, which it doesn't. However, I did lose some steering feel and I'm wondering if an alignment could fix that.

I've had my car lowered for about 500 miles now and haven't noticed any uneven tire wear, but it's a bit early to tell. I'm getting Falken RT-615's put on in a few days and I'd like to be as careful as possible with these nicer tires since they have fairly crappy treadwear to begin with.

I wanna hear once and for all... do I need to spend the $$$ for an alignment?!

SPON FIT · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 12:31 AM

you should go and get it done

lidoshorty02 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 12:37 AM

yea i recommend it

saiko · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 12:52 AM

it is VERY important, that mechanic shouldn't be there

(or he's trying to get you to **** up your car, so they can make a pretty penny off of you. don't let them!)

coupdetat · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 01:11 AM

OK.. just a wheel alignment, right? Or is there such thing as a suspension alignment?

doctordoom · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 01:22 AM

i think you need an alignment and a new mechanic. you should definitely get an alignment after changing your springs. your suspension should be just fine if you installed everything properly, you only need a wheel alignment.

tonyd3773 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 02:15 AM

Quote:

i think you need an alignment and a new mechanic.

I couldn't agree more...anytime you lower your car you should get a alignment. Better to be safe then sorry.

kelsodeez · #8 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 02:18 AM

i get an allignment everytime any part of my suspension is loosened. (ie. adjusting my camber bolts, new shocks, struts etc)

doctordoom · #9 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsodeez

i get an allignment everytime any part of my suspension is loosened. (ie. adjusting my camber bolts, new shocks, struts etc)

do you do that a lot? you must have some sweet hook-ups or be rich!

kenchan · #10 (**permalink**) 02-08-2008, 04:17 PM

i dont know about the GF's but on my DF210's the front was quite a bit
toe-out.

i recommend you get an alignemnt done.

los_creeper · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 03:36 AM

i think firestone offers a lifetime alignment deal... at least i know they once did a few years back. not sure anymore, haven't checked it out yet, but i myself am due for an allignment since i put on skunk2 about three weeks ago.

SPON FIT · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by los_creeper

i think firestone offers a lifetime alignment deal... at least i know they once did a few years back. not sure anymore, haven't checked it out yet, but i myself am due for an allignment since i put on skunk2 about three weeks ago.

they still do

kelsodeez · #13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctordoom

do you do that a lot? you must have some sweet hook-ups or be rich!

i got a pretty nice hook up but i still have to pay. and it is a pain to get work done to your car when your getting hooked up, as paying customers always cut in front you for the machine. the last time i got aligned, it took 6 hours from drop off to calling me up and saying my car was ready. also, the place i get aligned specializes in exotics so its pretty funny to see a honda fit up on the lift among lambos and lotuses. if my car feels a little bit out of alignment, i will take it in. im sooooo anal about my car!

los_creeper · #14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPON FIT

they still do

awesome, you know how much?

SPON FIT · #15 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by los_creeper

awesome, you know how much?

$160 if i remember right

solbrothers · #16 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 07:09 AM

that's not bad! iirc, my brother paid ninety something for his del sol, with only a year warranty. shoot, i'd pay 160 and take it down every weekend :P

mahout · #17 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 01:14 PM

We have lowered more than 200 cars; ALL required alignment afterward even if all we did was fix toe-in. Lowering was from 1/2" to 2". On most cars 1/2 to 1" is best lowering drop. Any more usually had suspension and handling problems.
You can do toe all by yourself with stretched string. Its that easy. If you want details let me know.