RE: Alignments

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

Phil writes:
>>As I have repeatedly said, even Martin Parker at BR Motorsport takes a
>>minimum of two hours - even on a car where all the adjustments are
>>not frozen.  Book time on a Type 44 Q alignment is two hours, according
>>to Autohaus Riverside in Northampton (+44 1604 416181).

> If you didn't get a recheck on yours, how do you know you really are
> "in" specification?

>>Of course I got a recheck.  Don't be daft - ten miles up the Fosse Way,
>>back to the workshop and back on the rig.  Standard practice.

For who?  So, we can agree that if *anyone* on this list doesn't get two 
setups and a test drive, then their car is "dangerous" and most likely out of 
alignment?  What about those shops that book time a four wheel alignment at 1 
hour?  That would include most shops in the US, btw.  I find it interesting 
too, that audi dealers here run "specials" on alignments all the time.  Why?  
Cuz no one can afford to have that expensive alignment machine with a car on 
the rack for 2 hours.  I argue few do "doubles", even the dealers, because 
the competition for this black magic is too intense.  Get the range, drop it, 
drive it, send the customer on the way.  Standard practice.  Ask the dealer 
if you get a double setup.  You don't unless the drive, in the mechanic's 
opinion, requires it.  Then he is under the gun, cuz the shop loses money.  
Basic accounting.  A 2 hour alignment at 60USD per hour adds up to 480USD per 
day.  A 1 hour alignment adds up to  480USD per day, but book says you can 
charge the 120$, so that's really 960USD per day, now there's a piece of 
equipment that is making some money (and you have an extra hour for the 
wrench to start the next assignment).  Standard practice?  (damn nice of audi 
AG to throw in those aluminum tierod adj threads that freeze regularly)

Did you change the front s/b bushings and rear C/A spherical bushing in your 
T44 or not Phil?

Scott J