Wheel Alignment Help Needed

[Ross]

OK, I need some help, and I know some of you have dealt with this before. I have almost 17K on the car, and I was going to take it in today for its regular 3K oil change, as well as its first tire rotation, balance check, and wheel alignment. I have read posts on here about damage to the wheels from alignment machines not having the right equipment to grab the wheels properly without scarring them. So I called my service advisor that I have always used, and explained my concern to him about whether he had the right equipment. He put me on the phone with his wheel alignment "specialist" who agreed that there is a problem with damage to the wheels. He admitted that there might be some "small" marks left on the wheels by the equipment, and there's nothing they can do to prevent it. I asked about taking the wheels off and putting on another set of wheels for the alignment, and he said that if you don't align the car with the wheels that you will be driving with, it doesn't make any sense. Now I'm kind of stuck. If I take the car to the dealer, and the wheels come out damaged, they will say "Sorry, we warned you that would happen." On the other hand, I want to do all of the maintenance I need to keep my car running properly. Is there any new info out there about type of machine, type of adapter, etc. that I need to look for to keep from having my wheels damaged? Thanks, as usual.

[Dr Caleb]

I haven't heard anything new, other than some dealers have recieved the proper equipment. Them telling you that they'll have to damage your car to do proper work is just wrong! "Yes Dr Caleb, we can change your fogged up headlights, but we'll have to remove them with a hammer...there may be some slight damage..." :uzi:

I'd say, call Ford Customer service. If your only choice is to have damage done to your car, it's a pretty poor choice!

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by Ross
I asked about taking the wheels off and putting on another set of wheels for the alignment, and he said that if you don't align the car with the wheels that you will be driving with, it doesn't make any sense.


Find another dealer. If their alignment "specialist" pulls a line like that one on you, one can only imagine what the other monkeys are like. Pure and utter BS. (and I can say this with 100% confidence, having proven this in order to make a point to someone else, a few years back).

There are shops that have the right equipment, shop around.

[Zack]

Removing the air from the tire before the adapters go on the wheels will prevent just about all scratches. I had mine aligned without the air removed and ther are 4 scratches now, but I have to look close to see them. The scratches form in the inboard side of the rim, not the outside.

[Ross]

I talked to the service manager at another LM dealer today and told him my story. He agreed that there is a problem doing the alignment without the right equipment. He said that he thought he had bought some adapters to use on the MM, but would have to check with one of his techs who won't be back until Monday. I'll let everyone know whether this guy seems like he knows what he is talking about when I talk to him again next week.

[one50npump]

Heres another alignment reminder.. Ford will warranty ONE alignment within the first 12K miles, so if you're still below 12k miles and your car is pulling right or left get it in for your "free" alignment.. just got mine done. You have to tell them its pulling one way or the other instead of just saying " i want a warranty alignment"