GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: No Golf Clubs at all on 01 September 2008, 16:16
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On getting my cheapo korean treads replaced with Asymmetrics the other week, i noticed that the fronts were unevenly worn, from memory I think the outside were significantly down compared to the insides.
Not wanting to give my new expensive boots the same treatment, I am thinking that a good 4 wheel alignment may be an idea. However, my stealer wants 2 hour labour for this job at a total of £146!!!
Its on a Beisbarth or something like that, but 2 hours! is that reasonable? Hopefully they can look at it and if it doesnt need adjusted do the honest thing, but I don't trust them an inch really, I reckon they would charge me either way...the barstewards that they are.
a) is this a reasonable cost? and
b) are main dealers the only ones with this kind of kit?
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Find a good independent with a decent four wheel alignment rig - and do NOT use "Thik-Fit".
The Golf geometry is relatively easy to set up, even the rears. The biggest problems with setting four wheel geometry is usually down to two distinct failings -
(a) the muppets - usually employed by Thik-Fit and the like, but also some main stealer "technicians" don't know how to properly use the kit, and
(b) the same said muppets don't understand what effects variations in geometry will have on the car.
BTW, do you still have the old boots? Can you post a picture, so I can have a proper gander?
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alas alack...the old boots stayed with the installer...so do you reckon that £146 is a tad pricey then? Will call round, there are a few good independents/ VW specialists around Glasgow.
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I paid £48 I think it was for both front and rear to be adjusted - as they both can be on the mk5
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....My VW dealer used the 'Big Bertha' Beissbarth(?) and it does take time but I was only charged about £60. Am doing it again soon, after my 2 new Assymetrics are fitted so all 4 tyres are the same.
I have a lot of faith in my VW dealer because I know many of the people involved.
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Also make a note of the condition of your alloys before it goes in - I've known some dealers to scratch the alloys when carrying out this procedure :angry: :angry:
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Thanks all, cant believe they want £146 to do this ! :angry: :angry:
I will have to go to an independent and get this looked at.
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Thanks all, cant believe they want £146 to do this ! :angry: :angry:
I will have to go to an independent and get this looked at.
That's why they are called 'stealers' :rolleyes:
Incidentally, on yesterdays news, some franchised dealer in the south east had a labour rate of £200 +VAT - shocking! :shocked: :shocked:
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Thanks all, cant believe they want £146 to do this ! :angry: :angry:
I will have to go to an independent and get this looked at.
JBS cost £100 less than that!!
Probably cost you £100 to get to them though :laugh:
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I paid £99 not so long ago for my Omega at a local ‘independent’ who actually did a pretty good job. The main piece of advice I would give is to find somewhere that you can actually watch them doing it as I have acquaintances in the trade who have told me some really shocking tales of the things they do to get wheels toed in etc when doing the 4 wheel alignment. For example if they can’t get the camber to toe in correctly they get a colleague to sit on the corner being checked until the reading goes in to the green. If they wont let you watch then walk away.
Not saying they are all like that of course but better to be safe than get a piss poor job and be sorry…… :smiley:
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awesome did mine for about 70 i think :smiley: :smiley:
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....I just double checked with my VW dealer and it's £63 to set it up on 'Big Bertha' Beissbarth plus whatever else needs doing = Absolute max of £150 total.
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quite a difference...for comparison I will call another main stealer (different franchise) in Glasgow and see if there is a price difference.
OK here is my findings thus far..
1. VW Arnold Clark Jordanhill (Beissbarth) want £146 to fix, 2 hours labour :sick:
2. VW verve Dalmarnock Road (Hunter) want 2-3 hours labour....I didnt hang about to get the price. :sick: :sick:
3. No point in going to Advantage in Stirling as they will undoubtedly charge about £70 per hour and give the same spiel.
3. Drivers Glasgow (where they do the Revo etc), will look at it and if it only needs front tracking charge me £30. Thereafter it depends how much it is out. I didnt determine the actual machine that they use, they are a generalist however so don't expect it to be a beissbarth. :smiley:
4. A4Audi and another independent "specialist" state that they cant do it. :sad: :sad:
5. Kenny Brown Motor Engineering in Hillington seem to get a good reputation for knowing their stuff I am just waiting to talk to Kenny about the costs. But yes they can do 4-wheel alignment at least. :rolleyes:
All this lol...and you know, I might not actually need it :laugh: Oh well keeps me from surfing porn I guess :D
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Yeah stealers are going to be expensive.
Merrow Tyres in Farnham, Surrey charge: front alignment £26.96 + VAT: full gemotry is £49 ish +VAT.
Michldever had a go to no good effect :huh:, so gave it to Merrow, who sorted my BMW and I'm going to let them have a look at the GTi. :smiley:
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Just seen this thread and had never thought about it when I had my GTI with 18 inch monzas, but when I worked in a tyre bay, the tracking equipment whick is quite heavy is either clamped inside the lip of average steel wheels, or an attachment added so it grips between the tyre and rim on alloys.
Back in the day I never saw wheels with a finish like monzas, but knowing what i know now i wouldnt let anyone use this type of wheel alignment on mt diamond cut alloys. The damage might not be obvious, but im sure it would chip the laquer and allow the white worms in.
This was about 13 years ago so things may have changed, but make sure you talk to the bloke hat will actually do the alignment and ask questions, bullsh1ters will be easy to spot if you read up on whats involved in 4 wheel alignment.
If you can get to a reputable specialist (im thinking awsome GTI as they would know about monzas) it would be worth it
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If you can get to a reputable specialist (im thinking awsome GTI as they would know about monzas) it would be worth it
....But do Awesome have a Beissbarth rig?
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....But do Awesome have a Beissbarth rig?
That I do not know, But they are VW specialists and will know about the delicate nature of the Monza 2 finish.
I would give them a call and ask what equipment they use, and if it can be done without damaging the monzas.
EDIT: Also, I would rather a professional with the old fashioned mirrors and line of sight equipment do my tracking than the latest and greatest being operated by a monkey.
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No Golf Clubs have you tried Star Performance they did mine after my suspension mods to the Leon. was less than 1hours labour i think.
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When I got new boots for the front, the steering wheel was not straight when the car was going in a straight line. Phoned up the stelaer in Bristol who said 'they need to see the car to quote for alignment'. This I found crazy as surely they should have an idea on how much it is to align 4 wheels. :angry:
Anyway, I decided to opt for a local garage that had a good reputation. Went there and said that thay can do 4-wheel laser alignment as £15 per adjustment. Possibility of 6 adjustments needed ( 2 at the back and 4 at the front, £90 in total) I said do it. Only 5 adjustments were needed but managed to get it done for £60.
Definitely worth doing IMO as the car drives much better and seems quicker. :wink:
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Pro grip in bonnybridge did mine for 50 QUID....SWEET :evil: