Front end parts & Alignment concern . . .

[Ameer Antar]

suspension symptoms are difficult to pin down and get somebody to fix. I
have heard this complaint before when upgrading wheels and also when the
suspension is out of alignment or bushings are worn. I would check for any
mushy bushings under there, b/c if any are bad, there's no real point in
doing the alignment. The bushings actually change the alignment of the
suspension. I also bet most places don't really do a full alignment. I
think most do just the toe-in. My dad's Lumina has been through a couple
"alignments", but has still has too much positive camber. You can tell, b/c
the tires wear unevenly. The outer edge of the tire wear more than the
inside edge. I would go to a shop and tell them you're trying to hammer out
a problem w/ the suspension and you want them to check out the camber and
ask for a print-out of the before-adjustment computer readings. I would
show them how to adjust the camber if they needed to know. Most places that
deal w/ imports, an even newer domestics all have adjustable camber at the
strut mount points. My experience around here hasn't been great. I wanted
to try the Audi dealer at one time cuz they had a $65 alignment at the one
in Watertown, which was only $15 more than Town Fair Tire. I bet a dealer
would have more info and tools for a good alignment. But those prices were
2 yrs ago.. My only experience that was pretty good was w/ Sears. I know it
sounds bad, but the people there tend to be a little more professional than
at Meineke, Monro, or Town Fair, and I'm talking about the mechanics, not
the counter people. They showed me printouts of the readings and they even
did a full 4-wheel alignment.. I actually saw them add shims to the rear
backplates, and all this for a '83 Chevy Celebrity wagon! When it comes
time for me I will check the dealer price (BTW, Hoffman is WAY
over-priced), and if it's too much I will try Sears again. good luck.

-ameer


At 07:40 AM 10/11/2002, you wrote:
>Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 01:35:28 -0400
>To: quattro at audifans.com
>From: "Ice Cat     ^. .^   ~" <iceisit at earthlink.net>
>Subject: Front end parts & Alignment concern . . .
>
>I cannot quite put my finger on what doesn't feel right about the
>front end.   It just seems to need fussing when I drive.    I like to
>drive with a soft hand and wrist and rarely have to adjust the wheel
>on normal roads, or so it seems.
>
>When I first bought this car, I told my husband something didn't seem
>right about the front end.   Took it to two people and both said it
>was fine.   As over a year went buy the tires wore down and sort of
>"grew into" whatever was wrong and I started to second guess myself
>and just dropped the matter since no one could find what I was
>talking about.
>
>*Now* that I have new tires and new alignment, those same symptoms
>have reappeared--about the only description I can seem to think of it
>that is sort of "wanders."   It is very subtle, but no other Audi I
>have ever had or driven feels like this.   It just feels a little
>scary, subtle, but I have to pay way more attention that I have ever
>had to do before.
>
>Does this description ring any bells with anyone?
>
>Does anyone know a very good shop where I can have my alignment and
>front end re-checked in CT ?
>
>Thanks     Fay
>
>P.S.   My husband's blower motor control something isn't working and
>now my blower is acting weird.
>When it rains it pours sometimes.
>
>
>              Create a great day !
>
>                                                                        ^.
> .^  ~
>
>--__--__--