4 Wheel Alignment

[daepp]

I just got a quote for a 4 wheel alignment for my 911. The shop originally quoted $430.00, and claimed that they would carefully examine the entire suspension. In closing, he did indicate that if the job took less time the bill would be lower. The price was for labor only. Does this sound reasonable?

[911finally]

I paid $250 to a place North of Boston this time last year. CA is usually a bit more expensive, but almost twice? I don't know.

[arbita1]

I was quoted between $ 400 - 500 by a shop a few month ago. Included alignment and corner balancing.

[Paul Ferradas]

I think Custom Alignment in Norcal is $120 Front, about the same for the back and about $300 for corner balance.

[01sport]

I was given an estimate of 540.00ish (labor only) for:
Squeaky torsion bar weld fix (one side)
Install front strut inserts
Install rear shocks
Adjust ride height (lower)
Alignment
Corner balance
approx. 6hrs.

[AvonGil]

Corner Balance and 4 wheel alignment by a reputable Porsche shop is around $600 in these parts. Better to pay the ransom, than to have a poor corner balance..

[HarryD]

Originally posted by daepp
I just got a quote for a 4 wheel alignment for my 911. The shop originally quoted $430.00, and claimed that they would carefully examine the entire suspension. In closing, he did indicate that if the job took less time the bill would be lower. The price was for labor only. Does this sound reasonable?

I think you need to understand the scope before anyone can tell you if this is ok or not. If you are ahving them align/lower/cornerbalance your car, this maybe about right since I think they typically budget 4-6 hours for the work.

If it was me, I would be sure to use a shop that specializes in setting up Porsches. You would be very well served by using a shop that caters to the racing crowd for this work as well, even if you never plan to go to the track. These guys know alot about suspension setup and can get your car dialed in for your needs.

[450knotOffice]

Sounds like a "normal" price for these cars. However, a reputable PORSCHE shop must do this. Imperative.

[LARRY SHARP]

Roger Kraus in Cadtro vallet just did my four wheel alignment and corner balance for $350.00.. Brandon was the guy who did it and spent three hours on it and got it just about perfect

[daepp]

The shop is for 911's only - race and street. The $430 is for four wheel alignment only - no corner balancing or parts.

[Jim Richards]

David, I would receommend that you shop around at the other independent Porsche shops. Their price seems a bit high for an alignment only. Here in the Wash DC area, the independent Porsche shops vary quite a bit on how much they charge for this service. I have no clue why.

In general, I would also recommend that you stay away from the large chain tire shops as most have no clue about how to do a proper alignment on our cars. There are always exceptions, but they are few.

Finally, you should decide on your preferred alignment specs ahead of time depending on how you intend to use your car...street only, street/track, track only. Are you happy with your ride height? If not, that'll add cost if the shop needs to adjust that.

[BK911]

I spent about $15 in materials and about 4 hours of total labor including making the jig, mounting it, and doing the alignment. It may not be as accurate as a "laser" alighment, but it's pretty close.

[BK911]

[Jim Richards]

Brian, nice set up.

I found that my biggest impediment to a successful home alignment was my uneven, out-of-level garage floor.

[arbita1]

Kind of like a Smart Strings set up.

Hmmmm...I wouldn't mind trying that out. I had tried to use the string method on my 944 back in the day. But it was a pain to try to set up the strings on the jack stands and get them in the correct position.

Any chance of some kind of write up including parts list of how you made that?

[cgarr]

Originally posted by Jim Richards
Brian, nice set up.

I found that my biggest impediment to a successful home alignment was my uneven, out-of-level garage floor.

If this is true? Can you even do an alignment in California?

[Elu]

I paid about $400 as well. The guy who did it got them withing 10% of perfect. It makes a huge difference.

[Jim Richards]

Originally posted by cgarr
If this is true? Can you even do an alignment in California?

I hear home alignment results in CA keep changing.

[Quicksilver]

In SoCal I would go Johnson Alignments in Torrance to have Steve Alarcon do it. It will be less then $400 unless he needs to reindex the bars.

Another good shop is TRE in North Hollywood. I don't know what he charges but Dave is on this board and can tell you.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by Jim Richards

In general, I would also recommend that you stay away from the large chain tire shops as most have no clue about how to do a proper alignment on our cars. There are always exceptions, but they are few.

+1 !!!!!

I also do my own, using swiveling riser platforms leveled on top with 1/8 ply wood shims (I use a clear plastic tube as a water level) prior to lowering the car onto them. I have done my 944 Turbo, BMW and 924S thus far. (I have not needed to screw with the 911SC yet)

I have us aluminum poles that attach to the 944 and prior to that, just setup posts I had lying around to set the strings on the other cars (time consuming). I also use an electronic level to set my camber (I tape on wheel contact blocks where appropriate to contact the wheel and not the bulging tire). Camber and toe settings are cake while lying on a creeper, but I have no way to check caster. I obviously enjoy doing it myself, YMMV.