just wonder how often do you guys do 4-wheel alignment?
my dealer told me to do it every 20k miles.
Thanks,

 

My truck - 166k miles, never had any aligment. No abnormal tire wear.

My Odyssey - 180k miles, never had any aligment. No abnormal tire wear

My Corolla - 196k miles, never had any aligment. No abnormal tire wear.

My LS 460L - 22k miles. I will do alignment when I get new tires since I didn't buy it new, and the tires have more wear than I think they should, but after that it will only depend on futre tire wear.


7milesout

 

20k. Is recommended by the dealer and it can't hurt, BUT...... Here is what I suggest since it can save you $$$.
1. Keep tires at proper PSI and look for wear on the inside and outside......... if you see uneven wear get your alignment done BEFORE the wear gets too bad that the tires need to be replaced.
2. IF you live in a area that has bad roads (EG: NJ/NY roads, Pot holes, bumps, etc) get you alignment checked at 10-12k. miles....... OR right after the winter pot hole season since ends and the roads are repaired.
3. IF you buy new tires or have ANY front end work performed get your alignment done at this time or ASAP...... This alignment should last for a long time.
4. IF you hit a curb or subject the wheels to any abnormal impact that does damage to the wheel or tire get your alignment done ASAP.
5. Drive on a "known" smooth highway (center lane with the least amount of crown, 60 mph and NOT too busy) and take you hands off the wheel and see how the car "tracks" down the road....... If the car goes straight for 1/4 mile or more there is no need for a alignment. IF it goes to the right or left, try this on another highway and see if it does the same thing, if so get your alignment checked.

TIP! Find a independent tire or repair shop (look for coupons or specials) that has a 4 wheel alignment HUNTER (this is the brand) machine...... These Hunter machines are the "state of the art" for front end alignments and every shop will advertise that they have a HUNTER ALIGNMENT rack with BIG signs on the building.

 

I throw mine on the rack once a year, so far it's been perfect and hasn't needed any adjustments. I think most independent shops will do it for around $75 bucks. If you aren't noticing any strange tire wear patterns or pulling, it's probably fine.

These cars do have control arm problems, doing an alignment without having those components replaced is useless. So get any worn components replaced before doing an alignment - most places won't even touch your car until the parts are replaced (unless you sign a waiver).

 

I've had two four wheel alignments on my '10 LS. First one after I had one of my rear shocks replaced and the last one almost two years ago when I purchased a new set of tires. When I have my tires rotated they tell me there is no unusual wear. It may be time for another alignment to be on the safe side.

 

I only have wheel alignment if the car is pulling to either side or if I lowered it.
'05 RX330 with 116+ K miles (still have it) never had any alignment. No abnormal tire wear.
'99 4Runner with 125K miles (sold 2009) - no alignment. No abnormal wear. Tracks straight.
'01 Sequoia with 70 K miles (sold 2007) - no alignment.

'07 IS250 and '09 G37 had alignments done 2 weeks after lowering them and each time I adjusted the height.
LS had alignment after the control arm bushings were replaced.

If you do not notice any abnormal tread wear and if the car tracks straight you probably do not need an alignment.
My mechanic said it's a good idea after replacing your shocks and CA bushings.

 

Thanks a lot for sharing the experience. lots of information.

for my 2009 Ls460:
replaced all 8 front control arms and all brake rotors and pads 2 months ago.
and got 2 new tires on the rear wheels.

then had a 4 wheel alignment last weekend at lexus dealer for $140.
it drives better after the alignment, feels like the tires are hugging the road better.

 

Alignment is necessary after replacing any suspension components (including control arms). My car was a bit wandery on the 3 drives I made between getting my control arms done and getting the alignment done, but I expected that.

Now that I've had the control arms and alignment done (at 45k) I don't expect to get an alignment for a long time unless I hit a severe pothole/curb or have to do more suspension work, or unless the car starts to track incorrectly or suffer from excess tire wear.

 

I had an alignment done last year and according to the printout, it was quite out of alignment. My tires are wearing much better now and the car tracks truer.