What is the most I should pay for a front end alignment ?

Question

For a couple of weeks, my steering has been pulling to the right when I let the wheel go. I checked the tire pressure and the psi is 38 or 39 on all 4 so THAT ain't it. I wanted to go to a mechanic and do a diagnostic test, and I know that will cost also, followed up with a front end alignment if in fact that is the problem. What's the limit I should pay, or is it reasonable to expect to pay less than $75 total for both ??

Answer 1

1st off let me say I am a Service consultant for a GM dealership and my husband is an ASE certified tech. Most shops will inspect your front end with an alignment at no cost{besides the alignment}. The Alignment can cost upwards of 99.95. depends on where you are and what you get. There are actually 3 different types of alignments. 2 Wheel, Thrust angle and 4 wheel. All Alignments involve measurements of Caster,Camber and Toe. Most of the newer cars should get a 4 wheel alignment. 2 wheel will just set the front wheels to spec, your steering wheel will problably be off. Thrust angle aligns the front wheel to the rear wheels, to put it in simple terms. 4 wheel alignment will do that plus set Camber and Toe{if possible} on the rear wheels. That will keep all the tires from wearing. The cost of the alignment is hard to judge. Up to date alignment machines can cost the shop upwards of $100,000. Location and competitors actually set the price. No one does an alignment for 50 bucks when everyone else in the area is charging 80.

Answer 2

Lots of things can make a car/ vec. pull. If you have'nt hit anything
fairly hard, and I mean hard, it's not likely the alignment is out . It takes a pretty good pop to bend susp. parts or steering linkage.
You might try cross rotating the right and left front tires, and see if it now pulls left. Same with the rears,depending on how bad this pull is. Does the car go staight when you brake? Might be a bad brake hose (front) not totally releasing pressure to a caliper,inner hose collapsed, you can't see this,outer covering of hose looks fine. when you jack up the front to switch the tires, pull the brakes and try to spin the tires. if the right drags, it could be the hose. Check for worn steering parts.alignment of the front end is not something that out of specs. all of a sudden. hope this helps