Alignment and Corner Balancing Cost?
 

Called a shop here in Austin TX (Moorespeed) and they quoted 6 hours labor at $95/hr more if the torsion bars have to be readjusted. It sounds ridiculous to me but is this the norm?
Pat

I got quoted 600 just for alignment and corner balancing. Not completely sure if these are normal, but wouldn't be surprised. By the way this quote is from Rennsport in Tulsa, OK.

Around here, the align and CB runs around $350 UNLESS you have to work the Tbars too, then it goes up quite a bit. So if that's what your car needs, that doesn't sound too out of line.


-Chris

Some people will disagree, but I urge you that going the cheap route is not a good idea. 100 per hour and 6 hours seems correct for a professional job done right. I have seen the results of quick 2 hour 125$ alignments, and the cars never come out right. Its just a waste of money.

Paid 1100 bucks to get my car aligned, lowered and corner balanced by a very reputable guy. Took around 11 hours.

Just paid $400+ for close inspection and alignment.

Pat:
The quote is not out of line.
You need to understand exactly what's involved; there is more than you think.
Alignment/corner balance is no good unless all components are in working order.
First thing:
All bushings, tie-rods, shocks etc. have to be good.
If you don't have the 930-tie-rods already, have them installed.
If you don't have adjustable spring plates in the rear, they will almost certainly have to re-index the T-bars.
You also have to decide on the settings like: What camber and toe do you want? Nobody goes with factory specs.
Discuss with the shop what kind of driving you do; they can suggest a setting.
I replaced bushings myself and bought new shocks. Then I went for alignment/corner balance and told the Tech what camber/toe I wanted.

If the components/bushings are no good, they have to be replaced and a reputable shop will tell you that.

The cost is part of having a 30-year old race horse.

If you live in So Cal, try to get in to see Darin at West End Alignment, Gardena. I say try because he's very busy and you might have to wait a few weeks to get in. His prices are extremely fair and he's considered by many one of the best in the biz.

Going rate is about $500 around here, $350 alignment and $150 cornerbalance.

My car was a little over $700 including installing new Turbo tie rods (essential), and the torsion bars were NOT reindexed. This is at Precision Motion which tends to be quite reasonable on service...$85/hr if I recall. I do most service/maintenance myself, but I had the pros do this.

What is wrong with stock tie rods in good condition?

Nothing wrong at all with stock tie rods in GOOD condition. If they are shot though, you might want to check out the turbo tie rods/ends. They eliminate the rubber bushing used on the inboard end and replace with a ball/cup assembly.

You probably already know all of this though ;)

-Chris

+1

next week i'm getting all my suspension bushes replaced, turbo tie rods, alignment, corner balance etc etc and its $1500US

labour is $80 an hour. old rubber bushes are a PITA to get off. they'll have the car for 2 days