Alignment service

[jale]

After replacing all 4 tires I needed 4-wheel alignment. I called the Audi dealer for a quote. I was told it’ll cost $544 since they will check for the camera/sensor alignment too since I have driver assistance on it. And they go” if the alignment is in spec, I will be charged $60 only”

What am I missing here? Is this something the Audi service usually does when you need the wheels alignment only?
Or stay away from this place.

[BigStu123]

After replacing all 4 tires I needed 4-wheel alignment. I called the Audi dealer for a quote. I was told it’ll cost $544 since they will check for the camera/sensor alignment too since I have driver assistance on it. And they go” if the alignment is in spec, I will be charged $60 only”

What am I missing here? Is this something the Audi service usually does when you need the wheels alignment only?
Or stay away from this place.

I’ve never heard of needing an alignment after replacing tires, but maybe. Although, I did ask this question sort of last time I was at the dealership for my RS7. Basically what I asked what, if everytime I need an alignment is it going to cost me $699?!? (I have driver assistance package as well, so sensors etc). They told me depending on how bad the alignment is off, I may need a recalibration. But it’s not always a definite recalibration with each alignment. There is a certain threshold and if it’s within that threshold then you should NOT need to recalibrate.


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[JB40NOW]

No need to pay the money at the dealer. Call around. The independent shops are starting to carry the equipment for "Dynamic" alignments. Locally, I went to a Best One and paid $120 for a dynamic. Glad I did it. My alignment was way out, even though the vehicle tracked straight.

[jale]

No need to pay the money at the dealer. Call around. The independent shops are starting to carry the equipment for "Dynamic" alignments. Locally, I went to a Best One and paid $120 for a dynamic. Glad I did it. My alignment was way out, even though the vehicle tracked straight.

Already called an independent placed, specialized in euro cars, $150.

[MyDimeIsUp]

I’ve never heard of needing an alignment after replacing tires, but maybe. Although, I did ask this question sort of last time I was at the dealership for my RS7. Basically what I asked what, if everytime I need an alignment is it going to cost me $699?!? (I have driver assistance package as well, so sensors etc). They told me depending on how bad the alignment is off, I may need a recalibration. But it’s not always a definite recalibration with each alignment. There is a certain threshold and if it’s within that threshold then you should NOT need to recalibrate.


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We always perform an alignment after putting new tires on. Adds insurance for the warranty from certain tire manufacturers. Technically from most tire manufacturers, alignments should done every 12 - 20k miles. If you submit a claim they may ask for proof of alignment history. Even then, it doesn't hurt to check the alignment to ensure your brand-new tires will wear evenly.

$699 is ridiculous though. We charge $179 (yes, we're a dealer with a Hunter alignment machine) though that doesn't include calibrating the sensors (separate opcode for alignment w/ sensors which has higher pricing), though I nor anyone else have done that. Again, technically as per your car manufacturer you should, but literally no one does it.

OP, I'd just have the alignment done either way. Ask the dealer if you can just get an alignment without calibrating the sensors (specifically ask if they can put a normal alignment opcode in rather than an alignment w/ calibration opcode). If they say no, take it to a shop with a Hunter alignment machine and ask for a simple alignment, no sensor calibration.

[jale]

Thanks for the input. I asked the other Audi dealer service (farther from my location), they said $244 without mentioning calibration part.

[Jimingle10]

Depending on your situation, consider Firestone or Goodyear shops lifetime alignment. It used to be $180 when I got it for my A6 and I've used it dozens of times (logged over 200k miles)

That being said, I won't let them touch my RS7. That car is special and let my indie shop dial it in when needed.

Depends what you drive. The A6 was a work horse and because it's free alignments, if they got it wrong I'd just bring it back lol

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[Alabama]

We always perform an alignment after putting new tires on. Adds insurance for the warranty from certain tire manufacturers. Technically from most tire manufacturers, alignments should done every 12 - 20k miles.

Other AZ threads have recommended alignment after new tire purchase even if tire wear on the old tires seems even, for the reason you mention. Alignment every 12-20k miles is a new one; rotation yes, but also alignment? The Michelin warranty only says the warranty is voided if tire wear is very uneven but does not suggest routine alignment. Interesting, Michelin includes three years of road-side assistance, including free tow up to 150 miles under certain circumstances. I haven't seen that mentioned in the threads discussing replacement tire recommendations.

[esemes]

I had an alignment done last week at an indy speed shop (4 wheels w/hunter alignment machine) and it was 179.21

[WatchMeSpend]

Indy did mine four days ago. $150 CAD. My car has never had an alignment since I owned it. New springs and suspension components.

[white fish]

Can I ask where?

[Gunnarrrrr]

Depending on your situation, consider Firestone or Goodyear shops lifetime alignment. It used to be $180 when I got it for my A6 and I've used it dozens of times (logged over 200k miles)

That being said, I won't let them touch my RS7. That car is special and let my indie shop dial it in when needed.

Depends what you drive. The A6 was a work horse and because it's free alignments, if they got it wrong I'd just bring it back lol

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A wheelworks (firestone) plugged in some coupon codes and gave me a lifetime alignment on my SQ5 for $120 a couple years ago. I’ve since gotten like 4 alignments. Really can’t beat that. Driver assistance cameras don’t ever need to be touched. Literally ever. Unless you’re swapping in a new one or just got in a wreck, or got a new windshield.


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[MyDimeIsUp]

Just remember that an alignment is never perfect. To get a 100% perfect alignment, the car needs to be perfectly straight on the rack, the sensor caps that go on each wheel need to be 100% aligned with the axle, and the machine must be 100% calibrated. Obviously with all of that, it is going to be slightly off. Thats why the manufacturer gives tolerances. If the alignment printout doesn't show everything is right in the middle, don't sweat it too much; its only an approximation and as long as they are in the specified tolerances, you're good. I remember hearing about someone who freaked out about paying for an alignment and not everything was straight (even though it was all in the green).

[Alabama]

Just remember that an alignment is never perfect.

Fair enough. Good reason to always visually inspect tires for even tire wear.

[jale]

The alignment done. I'm glad I did it.

[WatchMeSpend]

happy for you bro , got my entire front control arms and 4 corner shocks/mounts redone. alignment was mandatory after hadn't felt the ride this good not even when i bought it used haha

Same. I am so happy I had the alignment done. It is so much better to drive. There was a slight toe in problem, no extra wear visisble on the tires. The car is on new springs with a swaybar upgrade though. So easy to drive and so precise I look forward to driving it for no reason at all, just to drive.

[A665]

...got my entire front control arms and 4 corner shocks/mounts redone. alignment was mandatory after hadn't felt the ride this good not even when i bought it used haha

I replaced lower control arms, engine mounts and all four tires some weeks back. She rides like a dream, or better.