$1200 for an alignment? WTF?!!

[Silent Drone]

I took my '14 A6 to the dealer to swap out the winter tires and asked them to do an alignment. The car is 12 months old and has 12,000 miles on it. This is my third A6 and I try to remember to do an alignment once per year. Anyway, the service adviser tells me that I am out of alignment and I can have a "mechanical" only alignment done for $149, but that by doing this it will not reset my sensors for lane assist, backup camera, etc. and so I won't be able to rely on those things going forward--although she says she's never seen one have a problem with not being reset. Alternatively, I'm being offered the "recommended" service of re-aligning the electronics and the related sensors but that will cost an additional $1,000. I said: "What?!!"

Do you guys know anything about this? Is it really that involved to reset the sensors? Any advice you have would be appreciated.

[agent47]

Last year I hit the same wall. The s/a said that because of all these electronics, the alignment is more than a 1000 bucks and I went "slow down there cowboy". I havent gotten the electronics aligned- I dont feel the need to do it since they are not impacting the car's functionality. What you could do is, get the alignment done at some other place. And later on you can tell the dealer if the graphic looks out of whack - they will fix it for free.

[Nabizzy]

yeah they do this bs weird alignment and charged me like $400 on my A8...1200 is ridiculous. I got my RS7 aligned normally for $70 and all the backup stuff works fine. FYI.

[Brooklyn]

I don't get it - presumably the gizmos were aligned to the car's factory specs. You are now getting the car aligned to get back to factory spec. The gizmos never became "unaligned" right? That's nuts.

[agent47]

I don't get it - presumably the gizmos were aligned to the car's factory specs. You are now getting the car aligned to get back to factory spec. The gizmos never became "unaligned" right? That's nuts.

Exactly- we are not changing the grill/bumper/rearview mirror which might cause the sensors/cameras to be misaligned. Seems more or less like a money making gimmick. I was gobsmack when the s/a quoted 1000+ bucks.
Also what Nabizzy said- the fancy sensors/cameras just work fine with regular alignment.

[Silent Drone]

I spoke to a guy at a local independent shop and he tells me that the re-alignment of the sensors is a real thing but that it usually isn't necessary, and of course he can do it for a lot less, if it is necessary on my car. To be fair, the dealership isn't giving me a hard sell on the upgraded alignment, but they are clearly "recommending" that I go for this extra service and it really kind of bugs me that its not included. IMO, it shouldn't cost anywhere near that much for a proper alignment--especially with Quattro which is notorious for how often it has to be re-aligned anyway. Sheesh.

[Silent Drone]

Exactly- we are not changing the grill/bumper/rearview mirror which might cause the sensors/cameras to be misaligned. Seems more or less like a money making gimmick. I was gobsmack when the s/a quoted 1000+ bucks.
Also what Nabizzy said- the fancy sensors/cameras just work fine with regular alignment.

It's just one of those gimmicks that dealers are known for--"sir, your air filter is dirty". I expected better from this dealer but I am not surprised.

[eyeloveteeth]

wow that is insane.

[redrocker55]

If it's a 'mechanical' alignment for $150 then that does not touch any of the electronics. So if the electronics are working while the car is 'out of alignment' then wouldn't they work when the car gets back into alignment? And with an alignment we are talking about making very small, usually fraction of an inch adjustments...the 'electronics' are not that accurate. Heading down the highway at 70 MPH the lane assist isn't measuring things in 1/4 of an inch increments...not at that speed.

Skip that $1,000 charge under all circumstances.

[discoverdeath]

As the uneducated talk tech... Those that repair know the truth. You guys are funny. And after I drop my post iam wondering how many "engineers" would like to throw in some sence.

[grc]

I assume that the electronics do not need alignment unless they are removed/reinstalled. The only thing I know that requires software recalibration/adaptation after wheel alignment is the steering ECU. But that usually costs way less.

You should ask the dealer to provide official Audi documentation that proves the need of camera/radar alignment after wheel alignment.
Also I have negative experience with the dealer "aligning/recalibrating" software and electronics. Sometimes they make things worst.

[tylerS]

uneducated.

sence

..

[Arnie49]

Exactly the system works by cameras not sensors in the wheel. The cameras are looking for the lane markers the wheels have nothing to do with it. The wheel sensors control speed control and braking. The only thing I can possibly think of if the car is drifting the wheel position is monitored but that could be controlled by steering wheel position.

[agent47]

As the uneducated talk tech... Those that repair know the truth. You guys are funny. And after I drop my post iam wondering how many "engineers" would like to throw in some sence.

Why dont you enlighten us "the uneducated" with your knowledge?

[redrocker55]

As the uneducated talk tech... Those that repair know the truth. You guys are funny. And after I drop my post iam wondering how many "engineers" would like to throw in some sence.

Sounds like you know more about this topic than us. Care to share to actually add something positive to the thread??? Everyone's comments before and after yours seem to be common sense suggestions to what I think we all can agree is an outragious price to charge for an alignment. Thx.

[discoverdeath]

It a bit much to explain with out giving a more accurate explanation of the sensors that need to be calibrated and why they need to be. In short it seems you all have been sold on something that is in a sence overkill... Vast majority of the car that come equipped with these options dont need a complete re calibration. However if your car has clipped a curb, or slid into something and a customer isn't honest about what the history of the car has been a simple mechanical adjustment all all corners can back fire at the service department. So I hope that explains the 1000 plus dollars to complete minus tires if needed. Now reading the op post... Is there something that was out of whack or was hit... Something for you to want a all wheel alignment at what you said a 12k mile car. Really makes no sense for a service writer to recommend this service unless your tire wear is crazy feathered or is drifting like crazy.

[discoverdeath]

The uneducated comment is in reference to the off the hip comment you guys make at people working on what we do for a living. Contrary to what you may believe there are honest people out there working on the cars you guys drive. And to be honest is a pleasure to... Not every day do you get to see and wrench on what you guys drive. This pretty picture gets clouded by how the telephone game gets played from tech to writer. Not everyone is like this... You should have had a better explanation as to why and what you would have been paying for. From writer to customer uneducated.

[agent47]

The uneducated comment is in reference to the off the hip comment you guys make at people working on what we do for a living. Contrary to what you may believe there are honest people out there working on the cars you guys drive. And to be honest is a pleasure to... Not every day do you get to see and wrench on what you guys drive. This pretty picture gets clouded by how the telephone game gets played from tech to writer. Not everyone is like this... You should have had a better explanation as to why and what you would have been paying for. From writer to customer uneducated.

Here the problem is most of the techs/s.a's working out there are not as honest as you would expect them to be. There are a few who want the best of the customer, you might be one of those guys. So there is nothing to be taken personally here. I had an alignment done before the 25k service and the s.a called me saying I need an alignment & it would cost me 1xxx dollars. When I told him that the alignment was perfect and it had been done a couple of days ago, he put me on hold and then came back to say there was a confusion& it was for another customer. Duhhhh??
We just dont start shooting comments out here without a thought. Some of the members here have a lot of knowledge and some have experienced the issues posted.

It a bit much to explain with out giving a more accurate explanation of the sensors that need to be calibrated and why they need to be. In short it seems you all have been sold on something that is in a sence overkill... Vast majority of the car that come equipped with these options dont need a complete re calibration. However if your car has clipped a curb, or slid into something and a customer isn't honest about what the history of the car has been a simple mechanical adjustment all all corners can back fire at the service department. So I hope that explains the 1000 plus dollars to complete minus tires if needed. Now reading the op post... Is there something that was out of whack or was hit... Something for you to want a all wheel alignment at what you said a 12k mile car. Really makes no sense for a service writer to recommend this service unless your tire wear is crazy feathered or is drifting like crazy.

[Silent Drone]

Discoverdeath,

Thanks for sharing. Your original post sort of invited skepticism because it was uninformative and a little dismissive.

Here's some background: I asked for the alignment as a periodic maintenance measure because I'm at 12,000 miles. There is no uneven wear at the moment but this is the winter set of tires that only have about 4-5,000 miles. The dealer recommends an alignment once a year at minimum and I agree based on my experience with two prior C6s. I've been with this dealer for over 7 years and I know and trust these guys.

I'm sure there is a place for this expensive alignment service in general, and I'll admit it's hypothetically possible that I could need it (maybe my wife smacked a curb or something I don't know about?), but I'm not aware of any reason why it needs to be done in my case. I asked the service advisor to explain to me what this is and why I need it, but she could not articulate anything that made sense to me. And to her credit she was kind of apologetic about it and said she's seen people decline it with out any problems she is aware of.

So, this is why I posted here. I'd love to understand the technical aspects of what this is and why it my be warranted in general. I wouldn't knock on the people who offered their opinions because that's what I asked for. I've found this community to be a great source of information. If we can get some reliable information about this up on these boards maybe it will help more than just me.


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[moosehead1]

If this story was told by my wife, and if she was permitted access to my vehicle, then I would accept the $1k alignment as the cost of admission.

[eyeloveteeth]

If this story was told by my wife, and if she was permitted access to my vehicle, then I would accept the $1k alignment as the cost of admission.

this ^

[Brooklyn]

This is the kind of bullshit that chaps my ass. No real explanation of why you need all this other crap done, other than the always "it's highly recommended" and on top of that, no breakdown of how they even arrive at the ludicrous cost of over $1k. Is that based on some hourly book charge? At my dealership, $1k pays for what, about 8 hours of labor? And to top it off, we get discoverdeath rolling through with the "stfu you peasants, you know nothing" post, generally dubbing us uneducated - presumably on matters technical, but not spelling since he apparently thinks sense is spelled sence. Incidentally, can someone explain how a tech gets paid? Might help me make more sence of how the frack they arrived at $1k additional to align sensors that may or may not need aligning. Eff that noise.

[discoverdeath]

I'll keep shut then, have fun guys.

[eyeloveteeth]

I'll keep shut then, have fun guys.

constructive criticism would've gone a long way. Furthermore, pretending to provide teasers like you have JK Rowling's secret manuscript for a never printed Harry Potter is just flat out asinine - either contribute or don't pretend to give us nip slips.

[Serpent]

OP: could you not have asked to talk to the tech working on the car to get a better explanation of why a $1200 alignment was needed on a car with 12k miles?

I'm with Brooklyn on this, you better be able to break down exactly what is included in a $1200 alignment if you want me to pay for it. I might not be an engineer with "sence" but I think, I just think I might be able to follow along with a break down of the cost. You could even dumb it down for me.

I did stay at a holiday inn express once.

[agent47]

constructive criticism would've gone a long way. Furthermore, pretending to provide teasers like you have JK Rowling's secret manuscript for a never printed Harry Potter is just flat out asinine - either contribute or don't pretend to give us nip slips.

But this doesn't make any sence . Nip slips and alignments- carry on

[eyeloveteeth]

it totally made sence in my head....nuff for me.

[Silent Drone]

I'm back from the dealer and back in my car. It cost me $149 for the alignment and $80 to swap out the tires. I inquired and got a more detailed explanation of the "recalibration." It was explained to me that this will reset the sensors and electronics for lane assist, backup, side cameras, etc. Audi recommends a recalibration whenever the alignment of a rear wheel needs to be reset. Recalibration is not necessary when the front wheels are out out alignment, which apparently is the more common type of alignment that is needed. It was explained to me that the recalibration process involves manual adjustments and testing the sensors to get everything realigned properly.

In my case, both fronts and the right rear were out of spec. The right rear was measured at 1.33 (out of spec) and they adjusted it back to 1.27 which put it in spec. She said that with such a minor adjustment to the rear I shouldn't have any problems with the cameras or sensors.

Anyway, I suppose the take away is that this is something to be aware of with the new kinds of sensors on our cars. I believe them that this is something that Audi recommends, although I am shocked at how expensive the service is and I'm glad I declined it.

Most of all, I'm happy to have my car back with summer tires!

[agent47]

I'm back from the dealer and back in my car. It cost me $149 for the alignment and $80 to swap out the tires. I inquired and got a more detailed explanation of the "recalibration." It was explained to me that this will reset the sensors and electronics for lane assist, backup, side cameras, etc. Audi recommends a recalibration whenever the alignment of a rear wheel needs to be reset. Recalibration is not necessary when the front wheels are out out alignment, which apparently is the more common type of alignment that is needed. It was explained to me that the recalibration process involves manual adjustments and testing the sensors to get everything realigned properly.

In my case, both fronts and the right rear were out of spec. The right rear was measured at 1.33 (out of spec) and they adjusted it back to 1.27 which put it in spec. She said that with such a minor adjustment to the rear I shouldn't have any problems with the cameras or sensors.

Anyway, I suppose the take away is that this is something to be aware of with the new kinds of sensors on our cars. I believe them that this is something that Audi recommends, although I am shocked at how expensive the service is and I'm glad I declined it.

Most of all, I'm happy to have my car back with summer tires!

That makes "sence"

[turbonator S6]

I'm confused as to why the car would even need an alignment at only 12k mi. Granted this is my first Audi, but I've put on over 50k mi each on previous BMWs, MBs and a Lexus w/o ever needing an alignment. There was never any unusual tire wear and the cars all tracked straight & true, even after the horrible potholes around NY.

[redrocker55]

I'm confused as to why the car would even need an alignment at only 12k mi. Granted this is my first Audi, but I've put on over 50k mi each on previous BMWs, MBs and a Lexus w/o ever needing an alignment. There was never any unusual tire wear and the cars all tracked straight & true, even after the horrible potholes around NY.

I kinda agree. I just traded in my 2010 S4 with almost 150,000 miles and I never got an alignment...the tires have always worn even and true. The car was a laser down the highway.

Smart to go the $150 alignment route though.

I'm still not convinced the $1,200 alignment would make much difference...1.33 to 1.27. That's pretty minimal to begin with.

[Nabizzy]

I kinda agree. I just traded in my 2010 S4 with almost 150,000 miles and I never got an alignment...the tires have always worn even and true. The car was a laser down the highway.

Smart to go the $150 alignment route though.

I'm still not convinced the $1,200 alignment would make much difference...1.33 to 1.27. That's pretty minimal to begin with.

OP mentioned he did it as per his own accord.

[grc]

Don't be surprised by the fact that newer Audis go through frequent alignments. With the new electromechanical steering , some cars do not go straight on hwy speeds. Many dealers try alignment as a way to resolve the issue. Of course the problem is not the alignment but the combination of steering sensors, software and rack. However, after the alignment, they typically perform steering angle calibration and steering adaptations so all parameters are reset. The problem seams resolved for a few hundred miles but then come back. So some are fooled that the alignment fixed the issue.

My 2013 S4 with less that 20k miles have been through this process at least 3 times already. And I never hit a path-hole or curbed the wheels. But that has been a topic for other forums.

I hope my 2016 S6 will not have issues with steering.

[Ryan_qttro]

Adaptive Cruise control reads off of rear toe. So if rear toe is changed during alignment ACC will need to be re aligned also with night vision and Lane departure
If windshield is changed Lane departure camera must be re calibrated.

[subterFUSE]

On our A8 with Surround Cameras and Active Cruise, we were quoted about $1000 to get the sensors re-aligned after my mom ran the front end into a brick wall causing a small scrape on the bumper. The paint repair was going to just be a few hundred $$, but the repair shop said the bumper would need to come off to do the repair. Once the bumper was removed, a full sensor realignment was necessary. Only the dealer can do it because they have the equipment required, and they typically charge about $1000.

We decided not to repair the bumper at all.

[JoeCaMotto]

Wow I can't belive I just read thru all of this, I have Audi care and I would have to pay out of pocket for this thype of electronic reset? If it's routine maintenance it should be coverd under the maintenance plan?

[eyeloveteeth]

Wow I can't belive I just read thru all of this, I have Audi care and I would have to pay out of pocket for this thype of electronic reset? If it's routine maintenance it should be coverd under the maintenance plan?

I have Audi care as well, I have no idea. Need to read the fine print. But I doubt it does


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[agent47]

Wow I can't belive I just read thru all of this, I have Audi care and I would have to pay out of pocket for this thype of electronic reset? If it's routine maintenance it should be coverd under the maintenance plan?

I have audi care too. I do understand that a mechanical alignment wont be covered of course . But the electronic readjustment should be covered

[Silent Drone]

I've done a Google search and there are discussions about alignment and the ACC in the B8 S4 forum and in other VW forums. Apparently the functioning of the ACC is tied to the rear wheel alignment somehow and if that is adjusted you are supposed to recalibrate and only Audi has the equipment for that. Some people have reported problems with ACC tracking the car in the wrong lane and stuff like that, hence the need for recalibration.

As for me, on a short test around town mine doesn't seem to have any problems after I declined the recalibration, but I'll try it on the freeway and see.

Here's one thread: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...daptive-cruise


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[grc]

I read some of the threads and I see two common cases where electronics need calibration after alignment:
1) Suspension components are replaced (i.e. stiffer springs). I guess then it makes sense that full calibration is needed
2) Cars with dynamic steering need calibration. That is not surprising given my last 2 year experiences with Audi's steering in my S4. Complete crap. Even 1psi pressure difference between the tires will make the electromechanical steering act like crazy.

I do not understand the fact that a simple alignment without any parts being replaced requires electronics recalibration. When the car leave the factory, the wheel alignment is withing some specs X and the electronics are calibrated to work properly for spec X. An alignment brings the wheels back to spec X, why do the electronics stop working properly now that the setup is back to the factory spec X?

Of course Audi can charge/do whatever they want but if I have to pay $1200 for an alignment I would rather drive a Porsche or Maserati instead of an Audi. So they will start losing customers.