so at 4 times a year do you find that your specs are off each time you bring it in? sounds like you might be doing some track time as well? four alignments a year around here is about $300 which i don't like the sound of!

 

I used to have a problem holding alignments and went in a had a serious talk with the service manager about fully torquing fasteners and he admitted that the alignment guys usually just use the wrench in their pocket.

He agreed to make sure I had the alignment I wanted with everything fully tightened... I have not needed an alignment in six years since then.

 

Yep, Firestone sucks. I have lifetime alignment on my s2k and it's an adventure every time. Even though I bring my own boards, they've tried to turn me away because their ramps are designed for freaking Jeeps. It costs me nothing though, compared to $150 for alignment at the local racing shop. I go once or twice a year.

 

everytime I put on new fronts. Replacing the rears I dont bother.

 

I've got a Firestone lifetime thing going. It's perfectly fine as long as you have a guy who cares about what he does. There is nothing inherently difficult about our cars to align.

It definitely does NOT hold alignments well. It's been suggested that you torque the fasteners to about twice Honda's specs.

When you go I simply tell them this car has a hard time holding it's alignment and I want them to use a torque wrench and tighten the bolt to, shit, I forget, but somebody will chime in with the specs.

They'll say something like, well ,gee, we've never had that problem before. But just be firm about it. After all, you're asking them to do what a good competent mechanic should do anyway. Use a torque wrench. and it doesn't take more than five minutes longer.

I went to the Firestone in Laguna Hills, CA after recommendations from several S2000 owners. Had the guy who they recommended do my car. I asked him to give me 1 degree more camber than spec 'cause I bring my car to the track.

He actually thought I meant I wanted positive camber! It was clear that he maybe knew how to turn a bolt, but had no concept of what an alignment really is. So, I just went to another Firestone. There's a million of them around.

They encourage every six months, but don't' tell them you track it.because sooner or later they'll put some sort of disclaimer for they're lifetime that you can't track the car.

I get mine done every 4-5 track days.

If I didn't go to the track, I'd do it whenever I get new tires, if it pulls, or if I notice unusual wear patterns.

 

Odd I go to the track and my wear remains even :s

 

I wouldnt worry about it unless you notice your tires wearing unevenly. You really dont even need it when you get new tires. I remember the last time I had tires mounted, they tried to sell me a "deal" where I could get an alignment as much as I wanted for one full year...after working at a dealership for a while now, i realize that alignments are really just for the suspension. Unless major components of your suspension/chassis were destroyed or replaced, theres no reason.

 

waiting for bad tire wear doesn't seem like a great strategy. just means your alignment has been off for quite a while and your tires are getting ruined.

 

I just ordered tires and im debating on whether I should go in for a alignment.