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Alignment/Geometry
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:00 pm
by 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.
RE: Alignment/Geometry
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:31 pm
by 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.
RE: Alignment/Geometry
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:01 pm
by HYFR
i might need this aswel and im in N. London
RE: Alignment/Geometry
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:08 pm
by 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).
RE: Alignment/Geometry
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:27 pm
by 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
RE: Alignment/Geometry
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:11 pm
by 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.
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:21 pm
by 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
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:28 pm
by 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.
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 3:32 pm
by 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.
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 5:51 pm
by sonny
P_G wrote: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.
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 8:22 pm
by P_G
Phil3103 wrote: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.
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 8:25 pm
by 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.
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 1:40 am
by MB2
Just had mine checked by Audi when serviced cost 30
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 2:01 am
by 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
Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 9:41 am
by sonny
MB2 wrote: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)