RE: RE: Alignment

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

Frank M writes:
>Huh. I took my sister's car to my mechanic a couple weeks ago. He's got a
>Hunter machine, and it seems he (as in times previous) showed me on his
>screen the _specific_ (which I would take as "spot on") alignment figures
>called for by the manufacturer, as well as an allowable range to either side
>of each figure.

Which car?  Hunter machines that haven't had the updated alignment 
specifications have the wrong specifications for Urq and 5ktq/200tq.  Per 
audis own TSB's.

> He will go for that exact figure, unless you want to save a
>few dollars and tell him otherwise - and I found out the reason. Before
>opening his own shop, he was a machinist by training and trade. As he
>explained to me, everyone has his(/her) own individual range of
>accuracy/inaccuracy in their work. How they set the machines up, prepare the
>work, view the readings, etc.  If a machinist/mechanic just settles for
>getting within one end of a range, this may be just an overlap with his own
>range of error - these added together could make the end specs. further off
>than you think.

No disagreement.  Reinforces my statement that an alignment is only as good 
as the car, the setup (includes the technician) and the calibration of the 
machine.  For good ISO practice, your mechanic should also be able to produce 
for you the calibration records for the equipment, which would include all 
software updates.  He should also be prepared to show you the exact setup and 
alignment procedures he uses.  

>I've driven the results of his work, and it is _good_. I wish I could share
>him with you-all. A mechanic as picky as he is worth his weight in Pentosin.
>Frank M.Watkins Glen, NY, USA

I believe you will find a post from Bob Dupree regarding an alignment he got 
in Boulder CO (Hawley's wheel alignment) a couple years ago.  The guy spent a 
full day on the alignment, and *didn't* use the machine for most of the 
settings.  Best 44 chassis car I ever drove.  But then again, Bob had to 
chase down a bunch of pieces parts, and the car was in the bay for a whole 
day.  

Find a good alignment shop, stick with them.  The best thing you can do is 
find one that is anal about the work, setup, and chassis prep.  I've seen 
plenty of alignments that make the string and tape measure seem like a better 
bang for bux investment.  Setup of a machine is key.  Screw that up, it 
doesn't matter what the specs are.  

I take this all with a grain of salt.  Anyone that has been around alignment 
machines any length of time, knows that "exact" is exactly relative.  You 
drive around without an alignment long enough, you can never get it right, 
cuz the tire wear has already compromised the "specifications".  For "exact" 
to be considered good leaving the shop, you'd have to have new rubber 
bushings, new shocks, new tires.  Anything less is the "range", by 
definition.  

My own thinking on this whole thread is that believing in audis 
specifications, is accepting compromise.  You can change the chassis of your 
car a variety of ways (power included) that would make me want to change the 
"exact" specification on any audi chassis.

My .02

Scott Justusson