Alignment issues after installing Bilstein 5100s

spartantx117 · June 1, 2017

Ok. I installed my shocks on the top level and really like them. I knew I needed a alignment I've actually had two done by reputable places I've used before and my steering wheel is still slightly cocked to the left. They have both checked it twice and say it's fine. I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Does anyone in the DFW area know of a place that can get it right? This is driving me crazy (OCD). I even thought about adjust a quarter turn myself to try to get it right. Anyone else have this issue? Is it something I should just live with even though it's hard?

Sierra706 · June 1, 2017

Ok. I installed my shocks on the top level and really like them. I knew I needed a alignment I've actually had two done by reputable places I've used before and my steering wheel is still slightly cocked to the left. They have both checked it twice and say it's fine. I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Does anyone in the DFW area know of a place that can get it right? This is driving me crazy (OCD). I even thought about adjust a quarter turn myself to try to get it right. Anyone else have this issue? Is it something I should just live with even though it's hard?

You paid for it. If your not satisfied convey that to them and have them fix it. It should be straight if done properly.

I went to a shop which offered lifetime alignments for $200. First time took 3 hours and went right up to closing time. Mechanic comes back dripping sweat complaining that it was a bitch to do but was done within spec. Drove home and it pulls to the right. Did a little research and found that my cross caster was way too high, with 4.5 degrees on the left and 1.6 on the right. Cross caster wasn't shown on their hunter machine printout, so I had no idea until I looked up the full alignment specs online. I went back, sat down in the waiting room. 20 minutes later the manager grabs me and says he's refunding it and that my truck can't be aligned properly due to my fox coilovers and cognito control arms. I call bullshit and he proceeds to blame the tires next. I counter with the cross caster being out of spec, and the fact they didn't test drive or rotate the tires to rule it out. He returns to saying that "everything is maxed out" and he can't bring either caster reading up or down on either side. At that point I knew I was just being brushed off and that they didn't want to be bothered doing it properly. Took the refund, left a negative review and moved on to a shop that did it right the first time.

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Donstar · June 1, 2017

How do you test to see if your steering wheel is slightly off center? I imagine you'd have to find a perfectly flat surface. Most roads and parking lots around here are sloped to allow for drainage. My alignment shop said my steering wheel is straight and I trust they had no reason to not be truthful. Is there a reason why a reputable alignment shop would leave a steering wheel off center? Is it more difficult to do it right?

Sierra706 · June 1, 2017

How do you test to see if your steering wheel is slightly off center? I imagine you'd have to find a perfectly flat surface. Most roads and parking lots around here are sloped to allow for drainage. My alignment shop said my steering wheel is straight and I trust they had no reason to not be truthful. Is there a reason why a reputable alignment shop would leave a steering wheel off center? Is it more difficult to do it right?

Laziness, forgetfulness, ineptitude..... Its easy to see, as the steering wheel is cocked to one side as your driving straight. The crown on one particular road could affect that yes, but if you notice it on multiple roads and parking lots you can safely assume it's not correct.

Unless you do it yourself, you have to place trust in another human being. By nature humans aren't perfect. Trust only yourself.

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spartantx117 · June 1, 2017

You paid for it. If your not satisfied convey that to them and have them fix it. It should be straight if done properly.

I went to a shop which offered lifetime alignments for $200. First time took 3 hours and went right up to closing time. Mechanic comes back dripping sweat complaining that it was a bitch to do but was done within spec. Drove home and it pulls to the right. Did a little research and found that my cross caster was way too high, with 4.5 degrees on the left and 1.6 on the right. Cross caster wasn't shown on their hunter machine printout, so I had no idea until I looked up the full alignment specs online. I went back, sat down in the waiting room. 20 minutes later the manager grabs me and says he's refunding it and that my truck can't be aligned properly due to my fox coilovers and cognito control arms. I call bullshit and he proceeds to blame the tires next. I counter with the cross caster being out of spec, and the fact they didn't test drive or rotate the tires to rule it out. He returns to saying that "everything is maxed out" and he can't bring either caster reading up or down on either side. At that point I knew I was just being brushed off and that they didn't want to be bothered doing it properly. Took the refund, left a negative review and moved on to a shop that did it right the first time.

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I agree with I paid for it and should be satisfied. I did get a refund from the first shop (forgot to mention) they said they couldn't get it etc etc. excuses..... but I'm to the point I've been to two places with great reviews and one I've been doing business with for years and still have the same issue that I didn't have before in installed the shocks.... I've been to the second place twice and they keep saying it's within specs. Long story short of they can't get it right I want to find someone who can.

spartantx117 · June 1, 2017

Crap phone keeps posting several times.

Sierra706 · June 1, 2017

I agree with I paid for it and should be satisfied. I did get a refund from the first shop (forgot to mention) they said they couldn't get it etc etc. excuses..... but I'm to the point I've been to two places with great reviews and one I've been doing business with for years and still have the same issue that I didn't have before in installed the shocks.... I've been to the second place twice and they keep saying it's within specs. Long story short of they can't get it right I want to find someone who can.

The steering wheel is supposed to be locked in place dead center. The toe is then measured and adjusted accordingly.

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O_J_Simpson · June 1, 2017

Nothing to do with your shocks, Everything to do with the know how of the person doing the alignment or faulty alignment machine. (Not likely the later.)