Alignment

[jettle]

When getting your car aligned do they use a tool that can dent or scratch your rims? Do they use something to force them into place?

After I lowered my mustang I took it in for a computer alignment. A couple days after getting it back I noticed a mark in the front and rear rim on the drivers side. It looked almost like someone used a nail set in one spot on each rim.

I was pretty upset because they were chrome Saleen rims but it was too late to do anything about it. Also I was not 100% sure they did. I could not have imagined what they would have needed to do that would cause that but I could not figure out how it could have happened if they didn’t.

[left_right]

When getting your car aligned do they use a tool that can dent or scratch your rims? Do they use something to force them into place?

Yes, they do. The alignment heads clamp onto the wheels around the outer flange usually, and can really scratch a wheel up badly. The shop should either be using plastic covers for the clamps or a special fixture that attaches via clamping around the tire, not the wheel.

[jettle]

I knew someone would know! You possibly saved my wheels :bows: I will now ask what type of clamp they use when I call in for an appointment.

Thank You!
Jeff

[TAF]

Jeff,


There is an adaptor that is sold by Hunter for use on wheels like ours. Now where I get mine done, they don't have the adaptor, but they know how picky I am about the car and they are very careful. On one of my first alignments, I thought (and still think) I got some damage to the wheel. I was never able to conclusively convince them of that, so I did a deal with someone here for my full spare wheel and that wheel is now on my spare.

Unless they are VERY careful...I suggest you search out someone with the adaptor. I think they cost like $150-$200 per wheel.

EDIT:
Another way to do it...have them switch out your wheels/tires for some Grand Marquis wheels/tires...align it...then switch them back. When they say "We can't do that 'cause it could damage the GM wheels".....you say "EXACTLY!"