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Getting an Alignment done.

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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 06:12 PM
  #1  
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Default Getting an Alignment done.

I have a 06 Es 330 with about 25k miles on it. Recently I ran over a little curb going around 40 ~ 50 due to some idiot shifting into my lane...

I might be wrond but I swear my alignment is a little off. It is not as precise as it used to be.

Do I have to go to Lexus to get it done properly?
Or can I just go to a reputable place?

At Lexus it cost 150~ regular shops 75~...

Also once I get my alignment it should drive like brand new right?
Or is an alignment one of those things where if you get into an accident your car will never drive like new type of things.? if so I will just trade it in for a new es350.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 06:55 PM
  #2  
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If you want to see what an alignment will do for you, bring that ES to Mexico City, your're alignment will be gone within seconds after you hit the road.

I don't have Lexus down here and Toyota doesn't even do the rear alignment specs for my RX, so I take it to a friend of my uncle's who is a pro. There is no magic you get by going to a Lexus for an alignment, you just need to find a quality person who has done it for a long time.

The vehicle won't necessarily run like new. Over time, deterioration of suspension pieces (particularly shocks/struts) can tilt the vehicle slightly to one side or another. Now, even then your steering wheel can be adjusted even if alignment will not correct it, but at 25K miles you shouldn't have those issues just yet.

For Americans roads, an alignment at least once a year is a good thing.

As far as if you have an accident, etc., depends on what pieces of the frame were affected.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 06:56 PM
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I can't believe you're so unfamiliar with the concept of an alignment and it's repercussions. Most anyplace can perform an alignment on a car with a stock suspension, and yours is no exception. Just take it to a cheap, reputable shop. If you haven't damaged anything from running over the curb then it will drive like new. Getting an alignment performed is a regular maintenance item that should be done at least every 10k miles which is why I find this thread so puzzling. I personally have a lifetime alignment plan through Firestone which allots me free alignments as-needed.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 07:53 PM
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I just got an alignment last week because of installing the KYB's. Took it to Tuffy. Seems like they did a pretty good job. They printed out a before/after camber, etc.. specs.. And the correction.

Not a real difference in the driving, but definately a must have correction of the front tires (I forget how much it was off).

$60 and 45 min was all it took.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 07:54 PM
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just make sure they're using up to date equipment. hunter dsp900 iirc.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 07:55 PM
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Originally Posted by sonyman
I can't believe you're so unfamiliar with the concept of an alignment and it's repercussions. Most anyplace can perform an alignment on a car with a stock suspension, and yours is no exception. Just take it to a cheap, reputable shop. If you haven't damaged anything from running over the curb then it will drive like new. Getting an alignment performed is a regular maintenance item that should be done at least every 10k miles which is why I find this thread so puzzling. I personally have a lifetime alignment plan through Firestone which allots me free alignments as-needed.
Really sounds cool how much did that run ya?
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Choas
Really sounds cool how much did that run ya?
If I recall correctly, around $140.
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Old Nov 18, 2007 | 09:46 PM
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I had my lex aligned after replacing a lower control arm bushing the upper strut mount and installing a camber bolt kit and new tires mounted and balanced... One word SWEEEEEEET!!!!!
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Old Nov 21, 2007 | 03:47 PM
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68 at my local toyota dealer
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Old Nov 22, 2007 | 07:15 PM
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$45 at the local tire repair/replace shop. Takes only 30 minutes.
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