Alignment/Geometry

[ADR14N]

Can anyone recommend where to get a geometry/wheel alignment in the NW London area? Does anyone know how much the dealers charge?
My front tyres are wearing on the outer edges and seem to "scub" badly on full lock.

[Phil3103]

I don't think it's cheap. I'm sure I've had £200+ mentioned to me before today. Audi UK did tell me that you need to have the car fully fuelled to make it a correct set-up. I'd never heard of this on any car before but I took their word for it. Some of the more techie owners on here may be able to say whether this is tosh or not.

[HYFR]

i might need this aswel and im in N. London

[henryhale2704]

There is a place in Chesham that seems to get good recommendations (http://www.blackboots.co.uk/blackboots-location.php). Not too far for those in North/North-West London).

[sonny]

This is a must have for me due to having had the KWv3 and Uprated ARB's put on. The car has had time to settle now. Im looking at getting mine done down at Bexleys Motor works as they have a good 4WLA machine. Your right about the fuel in the tank and also the correct air pressure in the tyre

[kidyamlo]

Hello. Not sure about price but from my experience dealers will sub it out to an indie anyway and then just add their markup. For example, Finchley Road Audi (NW3) will send cars up to Speedway on Finchley Road, just a few hundred yards away. I heard good things about Russell Automotive (www.rac-london.co.uk NW9). Never actually been there but have just ordered a Milltek through them over the phone and service couldn't have been more personable, if that's important to you.

[P_G]

Try this site;

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

Type in your postcode and it will give you the nearest Hunter pro Laser allignment machine. Some also have the GSP9700 wheel balancing machine which force matches your wheels and will determine which wheel sould go on which axle for minimum vibration and maximum tractability.

For more info:

http://www.pro-align.co.uk/products/bal ... sp9700.htm

laser Allignment anywhere between £65-100 and wheel balance for me as a guide including Nitrogen fill £10 per wheel

[Nib]

I'm not sure if this is common knowledge but you may be able to swing an alignment under the Audi warranty. I understand from my servicing dealer (who shall remain nameless (but who is held in rather high regard on this Forum )), that Audi will cough up for 1 full alignment per vehicle. They did for me.

Got to be worth a try, if you're still within the original warranty.

[Phil3103]

I had the same. Full alignment and they also coughed up for the tank of fuel also. So certainly adds weight to the suggestion Audi will cough up once.

[sonny]

Try this site;

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

Type in your postcode and it will give you the nearest Hunter pro Laser allignment machine. Some also have the GSP9700 wheel balancing machine which force matches your wheels and will determine which wheel sould go on which axle for minimum vibration and maximum tractability.

For more info:

http://www.pro-align.co.uk/products/bal ... sp9700.htm

laser Allignment anywhere between £65-100 and wheel balance for me as a guide including Nitrogen fill £10 per wheel

Good post I have mine booked in now at Bexley Motor works..Yes they are the BMW crew lol but have a good race knowledge with M3's.

[P_G]

I had the same. Full alignment and they also coughed up for the tank of fuel also. So certainly adds weight to the suggestion Audi will cough up once.

You are recommended to have allignment done every time you change your tyres. Also you would have to have confidence in your Audi dealer being able to do an allingment check which I do not from perosnal first hand experience. the Audi allingment is not a laser machine and may prove not to be as accurate.

For the sake of £60+ it could be a life saver.

[sonny]

On that note, you should really have your car done every 15k. it will be the first time for me, and I know that the car needs it as she pulls to the left.

[MB2]

Just had mine checked by Audi when serviced cost 30

[ArthurPE]

give me a guy with 30 years experience having done 1000's of alignments using string, tape and a ruler > a tech with a couple years experience doing a couple a year using the super-duper laser machine, anyday...

the operator is the key in this case

[sonny]

Just had mine checked by Audi when serviced cost 30

That is cheap. Is that just tracking or full 4WLA (the later you be given a print out of before and after settings)