$325 for alignment in Phoenix. Seem high?

[markmalin]

I'm open to suggestions here. I called Porsche North Scottsdale and they're saying $325 for a front/rear alignment. That seems really high to me - is that typical? Any other suggestions in the Phoenix area?

Thanks!
Mark.

[equality72521]

Is that including corner balance? If yes, I'd say it's about right on from my experience.

[Joe Bob]

Is it the dealer? You have an 85 and they even talked to you?

[wildcat077]

I pay $200.00 for a four wheel alignment at my local Porsche race shop ... i think dealers overcharge anyways !!!

Cheers !
Phil

[markmalin]

Not sure about corner balance... ok, I'll admit it.. I don't know what that is

They seemed OK with working on an 85 - but I wonder if I should look for a local race shop type place. Anyone know of a good place in the area?

[Canada Kev]

I recently got a ride height adjustment, corner balance and alignment fot almost $500. But that's in Canada where things are usually pricier.

[Josh D]

Mark, why not call one of the independents that work on the older cars? Stuttgart SW, Don Jackson Ent., Becks, Patrick Motorsport..... We have a plethora of independants in the valley, all seem to have good reps. I'd avoid the dealer for this kind of work.

[kandhmfg]

Call Jack at Stuttgart SW in Tempe. Close to you and affordable.

480-968-6764

Erik

[Porchcar guy]

Mount 4 tires, road force balance, corner weight, ride height and 4 wheel alignment in Albuquerque...$500. fair at that price.

[markmalin]

Thanks, guys. I'll check out Stuttgart SW in Tempe - that's really close to where I work

[POORSH]

I paid $545 for 4 wheel alignment with height adjustment and corner balancing in the east bay, ca.

[KNS]

+2 for Stuttgart Southwest, Jack is a great guy!

[ODDJOB UNO]

jack @ stuttgart sw will do you right. there are (2) listed above i wouldnt let them touch mine or anyones freeking toro lawn mower let alone my skate board! let alone my car again.................................EVAR!



you get to figure out which (2)!


hint : go to maricopa.gov. click on case history on left. punch their names in and SEE WHAT YA FIND!


caveat emptor(yes i took 2 years of latin @ brophy prep).

p.s. confucious say " feek with a native..................it will be yer azz x a mill-yon! FOR-EVAR!"

[2porscheguy]

Totally OT, I'm sorry that I can't really provide any useful info here but I sure do enjoy reading your posts oddjob....you sure have a way of telling it like it is!

[Dueller]

Originally Posted by markmalin

Not sure about corner balance... ok, I'll admit it.. I don't know what that is

Corner balancing means they adjust the ride heirght of each corner so that the cumulative diagonal weight carried on the tires is close to equal. Makes the car handle the same in both directions. Critical in race car performance but some say for normal street use/most casual drivers, getting the ride heights close to correct is sufficient. It can be quite time consuming to get it right. So 345 including cornerbalancing is reasonable. If they are just going to do a 4 wheel alignment its a bit steep. If you haven't figured it out each corner is height adjustable.

Shops will yammer on about the special tools required for rear camber and toe but thats a crock....tools can be had at a bicycle shop for 30$....just two slim line wrenches is all that is needed. I bought them for my shop and taught them how to make adjustments and they charge less than $75 to align.

Alignment is not rocket surgery. Cornerbalancing otoh requires $1500 worth of scales and a bit of expertise.

ymmv

[Packet82]

For an extra point of data, I just paid $350 for an alignment and corner balance last week up here in Washington. An alignment was $180 by itself.

[mtb001]

Big O tires on 48th Street and Warner has a really good alignment tech and has done mine however they don't have thin wrench for rear height adjustment. $120. Or there is a shop in Gilbert that will align and corner balance for $500.

[markmalin]

Originally Posted by KNS

+2 for Stuttgart Southwest, Jack is a great guy!

I just called Jack. What a great guy! I'm going to bring it there, just need to get the front bearings tightened up correctly and will give him a call.

Thanks guys!

Mark.