Four Wheel alignment

[No Golf Clubs at all]

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?

[Teutonic_Tamer]

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?

[No Golf Clubs at all]

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.

[neg]

I paid £48 I think it was for both front and rear to be adjusted - as they both can be on the mk5

[RedRobin]

....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.

[TeddyKGB]

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

[No Golf Clubs at all]

Thanks all, cant believe they want £146 to do this !   

I will have to go to an independent and get this looked at.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Thanks all, cant believe they want £146 to do this !   

I will have to go to an independent and get this looked at.

That's why they are called 'stealers' 

Incidentally, on yesterdays news, some franchised dealer in the south east had a labour rate of £200 +VAT - shocking!   

[Hurdy]

Thanks all, cant believe they want £146 to do this !   

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

[Oilburner]

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……