AWS alignment question...

**hotGTO** · 09-24-2010, 01:47 PM

OK, I am trying to get up to speed on everything I don't know, and this board seems to be a great place to do it since it will help get topics out there and searchable as well as fill in some blanks for me... soooo:

Does the AWS require any type of special alignment? If it does, do all alignment shops know that, and are they all equipped to do it, or is it something I need to discuss with the service tech when I ask for the alignment?

**DocWalt** · 09-24-2010, 01:51 PM

Yes, it requires a special alignment. I'm not going to post from memory, but I have the correct way to align the rear end. FWIW, every alignment shop I've been to has the special alignment procedure in their rack computers.

**hotGTO** · 09-24-2010, 01:57 PM

Do you get charged extra because it is AWS?

**R/T93** · 09-24-2010, 02:31 PM

No you shouldn't get charged more.

I have no clue why an AWD car would have any different requirements for an alignment than any other car. Each wheel has its own adjustments and changing one really doesnt have a huge effect on another. They just bring everything to as close to zero as possible anyways.

I suggest getting the lifetime alignment from a Firestone Dealer. I have had dozens of alignments (I get my settings changed back for the street after races) and they always do a good job. Its like 140 dollars for as many alignments you want as long as you own the car.

**DocWalt** · 09-24-2010, 02:59 PM

It has nothing to do with the AWD, it's the AWS. The rear rack needs to be aligned separately from the regular alignment.

**hotGTO** · 09-24-2010, 03:02 PM

Firestone is becoming a huge ripoff around here! They tried to get me to pay $500 for crank shaft pulley claiming it was a "dealer only" part, so I called the dealer (Cherry Hill) and it was only $180!!! They had zero explanation why they were overcharging me for the part except "That's how much it lists for in our computer." Also, my co worker went to a different Firestone for a vibration and they wanted to replace his steering rack for over a grand when he only needed his tires balanced, but they refused to do his "lifetime alignment" until he let them replace the rack. He went to a different shop and got wheels balanced and that fixed his whole problem for $50. (I have heard of shady shops knocking your wheel weights off so they can say you have big problems!!!) I refuse to ever step foot into a Firestone again! (sorry for the rant)

**Steve '92ES** · 09-24-2010, 07:51 PM

I have no clue why an AWD car would have any different requirements for an alignment than any other car.

This right here is going to be your biggest problem.
I got into a bit of an argument at a local shop that kept telling me "Yes! We can align AWD!"
After asking three times I had to tell the manager to WATCH MY LIPS! I SAID ALL WHEEL STEERING!!
He got mad and started yelling at me YES! FOR THE FOURTH TIME WE CAN ALIGN ALL WHEEL.... oh. Did you say Steering?!? I'll have to ask the tech...

Make sure they're listening when you ask....

(And no, not all shops have the equipment to do the job. There's a special rig for locking the rear wheels in place..)