Update on Wheel Alignment

[Ross]

This is really getting bad, folks. I have just heard back from the second LM dealer on this subject. He says that they have an adapter to use for aligning MM front ends, but the wheels can be scratched during alignment, and they can't be responsible for damage. Like I'm really going to take my car in with that kind of disclaimer! I'm trying to get the area LM rep's number so I can call and make some complaints. I'm a civil trial lawyer, and I know how to sue the bums if they mess up my wheels and won't replace them, but why go to all of that hassle? Why can't a LM dealer just service a LM product without messing it up?

[03SILVERSTREAK]

I agree with you Ross and behind you 100% . They think that by
Just selling their products that they can Just wash there Hands
of us...:(

[Ross]

I just called Mercury in Dearborn and spoke to some joker who told me that "it's a dealer problem" and there is nothing that Mercury will do, and no one else he would allow me to speak with. Folks, I'm thinking hard about getting rid of this damn Ford and going back to a GM product. I love the car but I'm sick of the incompetent %^**&^# I have to deal with at LM dealers.

[Ross]

OK, I have now spoken to the "service" managers at 2 LM dealers in Houston. Both of them tell me that they won't guarantee that my wheels won't be scratched up doing an alignment, and it's my risk of loss if I have the front end aligned. My score so far:
2 service managers
1 service advisor
1 "alignment specialist"
1 Factory "customer service" representative


Not a bit of help yet.

[MarauderMike]

Well, I had an alignment problem also. Not only did the wheels get scractched but it then wore out the front tires in 3000 miles.
The dealer spent $1500 to get the right adapter for his equipment and replaced my rims plus the front tires. The major problem is the dealer not having the right equipment, unfortunately Ford Motor does not spec out the type of equipment a dealer has to buy for his service department. My suggestion is if you can't find a dealer that is responsible for his work, call your local newshawk, let a little bad press hit the dealer. There is a way do to the alignment without scratching the wheels!

[RF Overlord]

What am I missing here? I've heard a couple of other members state that their alignment tech took the front wheels off a GM and used them to do the alignment...and that it worked perfectly...

[Ross]

Overlord, I suggested using different wheels to everyone, and they acted like I'm crazy.

[RCSignals]

The major problem is the dealer not having the right equipment, unfortunately Ford Motor does not spec out the type of equipment a dealer has to buy for his service department.

I think Ford does provide dealers with a list of specific tools and tool part numbers. Specialty tools are listed in the workshop manual as well for specific jobs.

A dealer may not want to buy an adapter for a Marauder if he thinks he's only going to use it once.

Changing wheels just for an alignment should work.

[Ross]

This morning I emailed Steve Babcock about this problem. I'm not holding my breath for an answer, though.

[MarauderBZ]

I had to have mine re-aligned, the dealership didn't have the setup to handle it, but the GoodYear tire dealer down the street did things right up without any problems or scratches on the rims. The dealer covered all costs and such since the required re-alignment was due to other warranty covered repair issues. My service manage told me that now they know to use the GoodYear dealer for future Marauder alignments and all. Not sure if it helps, but I guess any large GoodYear dealer may be able to get things aligned.