UK & Ireland S2000 Community Discussions related to the S2000, its ownership and enthusiasm for it in the UK and Ireland. Including FAQs, and technical questions.

Wheel alignment

Thread Tools
 
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 09:52 AM
  #1  
JonUKS2000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
Default Wheel alignment

I will be fitting a set of Eibach springs tomorrow, and was wondering where is the best place to have wheel alignment done ? I live in the Wimbledon area, so don't want to travel too far, nor do I want to be ripped off.

Will they know the correct settings, or do I need to give them the specs ?

Thanks.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:13 AM
  #2  
NineBolts's Avatar
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 1
From: SW London
Default

There's a couple of us in the area but we all seem to use the usual suspects, WIM and TGM. DMS and TDI also not far away but I've no idea of any local places that have a reputation like these others.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:18 AM
  #3  
JonUKS2000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
Default

I have heard of TGM, they are around the Guildford area right ?

Any idea of costs ?
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:23 AM
  #4  
NineBolts's Avatar
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 1
From: SW London
Default

TGM are Fleet in Surrey, just down the line from Farnborough. Tom is a hard chap to get hold of and often has quite a list of jobs. He's a top bloke and knows his stuff.

If it's something you want to get done in the next few days Wheels in Motion might be your best bet, they can often get people in at short notice.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:36 AM
  #5  
loftust's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,234
Likes: 3
From: Fareham, Hants
Default

+1 for TGM / WiM...not sure they could fit you in at short notice though.

Be prepared for potential pain...seized bushes could prove a problem.

I suggest having a read about seized bushes to find out more and the costs associated with them. I'd say it's quite likely that you have one...unless the car has had the alignment bolts greased.

Remember that the springs will settle, and you'll probably need to get it done again after a couple of hundred miles.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 10:50 AM
  #6  
Adriank's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 995
Likes: 0
From: Berkshire
Default

Tom is on holiday not back till the new year I don't think so for a short notice job they might not be best bet currently!
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 11:26 AM
  #7  
Chinook's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
Default

I've used both TGM (Fleet) and WIM (Chesham), both charge the same, just over £100 for 4-wheel alignment. WIM are part of a tyre dealer so should be open weekdays. TGM is a garage and good for servicing, etc.
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 11:40 AM
  #8  
punchdrunk's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 0
From: London
Default

I've used TGM, WIM and DMS.

TGM will need 2 weeks advance booking and is in Fleet. I'm not sure he has the Hunter equipment that WIM and DMS have so you'll have to decide if that is crucial for you.

WIM is good, very experienced and he charges £30 or so to have the alignment checked within a year of it being done. I used him several times on my MX5 and once on the S.

DMS was very good. He has the Hunter machine and tracks a DC2. I've used him twice and wouldn't take my car anywhere else.

Good luck
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 12:04 PM
  #9  
JonUKS2000's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
Default

TGM, WIM & DMS.... does no one name their companies anymore ?

This might sound stupid, but is wheel alignment not a day to day normal thing ? (Sorry, only lived here for a year or so)

Do places like kwik fit and the like not do it ?
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2010 | 12:29 PM
  #10  
AquilaEagle's Avatar
Administrator
Gold Member (Premium)
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 95,183
Likes: 69
From: Heath & Reach, Beds, UK
Default

TGM = Tom Gannon Motorsport
WIM = Wheels in motion
DMS = Dixon Motor Sport.

On the S2000 it's not just a case of alignment - you really need the whole suspension geometry doing. There are 3 "sets" of things that need aligning, camber, caster and toe.

Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:31 PM.