How often are we supposed to get a wheel alignment on the RX? Once every year,or twice a year? i.e spring/fall. My last vehicle,Mercedes 300E recommended once a year.Whats your opinions?

 

I'm not aware of any recommendation by Lexus. My own feeling is that if you always drive on smooth roads (yes, there are such places, e.g., So. Florida) you may never need a wheel alignment. If you live in places with terrible roads (e.g., the District of Columbia), even twice a year may not be enough. I've only had one wheel alignment done in the 6 years I've had my RX300. I'm thinking that any extra tire wear may be less expensive than periodic wheel alignment, and it handles fine.

 

I used to do it monthly in Mexico (it was cheap, like $15 USD and on a hunter machine). I haven't done one since I got back since I did one in Mexico just before I left, but I plan to do one at least closer to the end of the year.

Bob is right about Florida, flat as can be. I remember DC and they were using mattresses to fill in potholes there.

 

Wow mattresses hugh? Well not a whole lot better here in Pa. I don`t know whats up with road/highway funds Of course that`s another matter.Thanx for the replies guy`s

 

Right after we bought our RX350 I could tell the alignment was out. When we got the first service done, I had them do the alignment as well (after arguing with the service manager who told me "they all pull to the right"). Nevertheless, its correct now and I dont expect to get the alignment done again before I turn the car in in 2011.

We've had our other car for 5 years and the alignment has never been done on it. I got 55K out of the first set of tires as well.

I would say that if the alignment aint broke, dont fix it.

P.S. Heres another reason not to get it done unnecessarily, I looked at the work order for the alignment, they charge $365 for it!! Thankfully it was covered under the warranty (for the first year).

 

The prices are insane for this stuff. Most I ever saw even when I was in Mexico was $40 or so at Toyota. I went to a tire place near where I live now to get nitrogen and it cost about $32 USD, which is reasonable, but an alignment was $89.95!

 

Wow $365.00!! Is that with any ball joints or anything? btw,if it was done under warranty,thats probably why they didn`t want to do it.They claim they don`t make any money on warranty work.

 

I would agree "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." If the vehicle doesn't pull to one side and tire wear is even, I would leave it alone. We just had a front alignment done because it was pulling to the left; now it's fine. The dealer didn't see a problem with the rear.