Tie rod end's replaced.....

[Mr.Craig]

Just got my car back from the dealership after having the tie rod ends replaced, and they tell me they don't align the front end!!!!!

They claim they have set the toe and this is sufficient. Didn't want to argue with this older woman who was giving me my keys back so i was wondering what you guys had to say about this. They want 100 bucks to align the front and back end.
Does the rear end even need to be aligned??
Has anyone just went with out the alignment?
Car will drift a little now and agian.

[wantit]

when I had my tie rods replaced, the dealer told me the same thing, that the set the toe, and road tested it and it was fine. I didn't have a problem, but a few months after that I got four new tires, and a 4 wheel alignment. yes there is an adjustment for the rear, as well as the front.

[Mr.Craig]

What exactly is a rear end alignment?

[phunter1]

Technically the dealer is correct, the tie rods have no impact on caster and camber settings. They only affect the toe setting. So setting the toe should be sufficient, provided the car is OK otherwise. Of course, the only way to know that is to check. Personally, I'd get the car aligned.

Phil

[joey]

Toe, thrust and maybe steering wheel centering are the only things adjusted during a "normal" alignment.
Our camber and caster should never need to be adjusted.
In the unlikely event camber and caster becomes out of spec then cradle and/or bolt adjustments are needed.

From the Service Manual

CAMBER AND CASTER
Camber and caster settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle’s suspension components. This is referred to as NET BUILD. The result is no required adjustment of camber and caster after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, caster and camber are not normally considered adjustable angles. Camber and caster should be checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications.
If individual front camber or caster is found not to meet alignment specifications, each can be adjusted by shifting the engine cradle if cross-camber and cross-caster are within specifications, or by using an available service adjustment bolt package. Always try to shift the cradle first (if camber and caster are off slightly) to correct the mis-alignment before installing an adjustment bolt package. If an adjustment bolt package installation is necessary, inspect the suspension components for any signs of damage or bending first.

[phunter1]

Thanks Joey,

l learned something about our cars that I didn't know.

Phil

[Big Daddy J 300]

hey i recognize those wheels did you buy them off a guy in Cali?

[dms]

the OEM suspension on a LX will only allow you to "set the toe and let it go" front and rear. There are no camber caster adjustments. The only thing you can do on the front is to relocate the front engine cradle, but the amount of movement is not very much

So if they only set the toe and let it go, why do the Chrysler dealers still charge you for a 4 wheel alignment??

mike
dms

[joey]

Originally Posted by dms

the OEM suspension on a LX will only allow you to "set the toe and let it go" front and rear. There are no camber caster adjustments. The only thing you can do on the front is to relocate the front engine cradle, but the amount of movement is not very much

So if they only set the toe and let it go, why do the Chrysler dealers still charge you for a 4 wheel alignment??

mike
dms

I think more and more new model cars are being designed like the LX, only a toe adjustment is needed. Most alignment shops have not changed their old "one price fits all" alignment pricing. They obviously don't want to offer a lower price if they don't need to.

I did get the Chevy Fairfield dealer to lower their alignment charge from about $130 to $80 after my bumpsteer kit install.
But other alignment shops won't lower their price for just a toe adjustment.
The alignment shops do need to set up all the alignment equipment on each wheel, but their overall labor time is reduced to just setting the toe.

[Chase300]

I use to run into the issue when getting an alignment for a FWD 1990 Plymouth Laser turbo I owned.
Per the service manual, the only adjustment was for the front toe. No other adjustments were possible, yet everyone wanted to do a 4 wheel alignment.
So, I found a way around it. I use to ask what they charged to align a Chevy Chevette. That car only had toe adjustment, and I find alignments to run under $50 for them. So, that's what I would request for my Laser...toe only, thank you very much.