Shop said they can't do alignment!?!? Are they right?

**Bandit1228** · 08-02-2013

I just replaced LCA, outer tie rod ends and wheel hubs on both side on my 04 GTP. I tried to keep the alignment as close to what it was before I replaced the parts but I knew I was going to needing an alignment when I was done. After the LCA and tie rod ends, I drove it for a few days while waiting for the hubs. The alignment was off more than I expected and caused one of my tires to wear down to show threads on the inside of the tire. (The tires were already worn prior to replacing part but no threads were showing. I wanted to get these parts replaced before I got my tires.)

I took it to my local Pep Boys to get an alignment. I drove it the next day to work (50 miles) and the steering wheel is not centered and is turned slightly to the right in order to go straight. If I let go of the wheel, the car pulls slightly to the left. I took it back to the shop yesterday for a re-check and they said they can't do an alignment because the tires are so badly worn. Does anyone know if they are right that they can't do an alignment because of the tires and if they are, it would have been nice for them to mention this before they did the alignment the first time.

I have the printout of the specs when I went for the re-check. I'm just waiting for my wife to wake up so she can send me a copy and then I'll post their results.

Thanks

**stealthee** · 08-02-2013

Complete BS.

Worn tires won't affect ability to do a proper alignment. Different sized tires would affect that ability, but worn out tires on both sides, no.

**Bandit1228** · 08-02-2013

That's what I was thinking and since the alignment is definitely off, I'm hesitant on putting on new tires just to have them get f...ed up.

**QUICKSILVER462** · 08-02-2013

Put new tires on the front and then get the alignment.

**Scottydoggs** · 08-02-2013

you never want to do an alignment with "bad tires" on the car. if you cant afford new tires, rotate the rears to the front, then get it done again.

**BillBoost37** · 08-02-2013

Did they tell you they "can't" align it, or they can't fix the issues you are complaining about? Because.. if a tire is screwed, it can and will screw with the way the drives, tracks etc. Yet the alignment can be dialed in 100%.

Hence the issue there is the tires pulling and pushing you around and not the actual alignment of the wheels. Notice...I said tires being bad can cause issues, the wheel aka item tire is mounted on, is how they align.

Wheel = rim and the alignment stuff mounts to that in order to perform the alignment.

**Bandit1228** · 08-02-2013

I'm going to be away for a week so I won't be able to get the tires until the following week. Hopefully as soon as I get back, I'll pick p the new tires and we'll see how the alignment is. If it's still off, I'll have to see what pep Boys can do.

Scotty - I already rotated one of the bad tires with the threads showing to the rear.

Here is the printout they gave me from the re-check. I'm not sure if you guys are all that familiar with the specs and if everything looks on par.

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**TLSheff** · 08-02-2013

^ This. And Stealthee's "Complete BS."

You need to find another shop for alignments if they can't do it due to "bad tires". Our tech at the shop has a proper alignment machine and most are going to this type or one similar where they mount sensor plates onto the wheels, and they align it so the wheels are set straight as best as they can.

Has nothing to do with the tires until you get it off the machine and take it for a drive, altho they should have told you before hand that bad tires will affect how it drives on the road until you put new ones on.

Get new tires since its "aligned" and see how it drives then.

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