What is the regular schedule for a GS wheel alignment ?
The user handbook does not mention it and the dealer's major maintainance does not cover it either.

Does the rear wheel drive GS need a 2-wheel or 4 wheel alignment ?

Any opinion or recommendation for a reputable alignement facility?

Will the dealer always perform better alignment than a typical car garage ?

I need this info quick before our early summer trip to Grand Cannyon. We have another Sienna van with bad alignment
causee us a pair of tires within a year.

 

With the issues we've discussed here about the GS holding an alignment, and if you push your GS to perform ocassionally, I'd have one done at about every oil change, or 5k miles.

Will teh dealer doa better job? Depends on their equipment and personnel. Some dealers I've been to have the Hunter 4 whell system, so yes, I ask you dealer what they use. If not, find a shop that does.

If in doubt, have an alignment; consider it cheap insurance for prolonged even tire wear and safety.

 

DEX

Thanks for your knowledgable advice !
I will ask my dealer what equipment they use before bring
the GS in for alignment.

Again ! 4-W or 2-W alignment ?

We have a delimma --either driving the Sienna Van(bigger space but noisy unbearable sound ) or the GS ( smaller in space, with GPS, ML sound), and much much quiet) for the four-day trip.

Want to help me to roll the dice ? anyone ?

 

I aways do 4, since all 4 wheels affect how the car drives and handles.

Pack lighter, and travel in style and comfort in the GS.

 

Alignments are more a function of the person doing them and their skill, experience and attention to detail rather than the equipment being used.

Someone who knows what they are doing can do a much better job with the simple mechanical non-electric equipment than a dumb monkey with the best Hunter rack and equipment.

The guy we send our alignments to down here in Torrance is really good, and if you like I can give you his contact information. The only problem is he's only open M-F so it's a little inconvenient if you can't leave work during the day. He doesn't mind keeping cars overnight if that's convenient also.

Todd Matsubara
TM Engineering LLC

 

fully agree with todd

last place i went to used tape measure and marked the tyres with "chalk"... the guy did adjustment with hands and old fashioned tools..cost me $60 and resulted in one of the best align jobs.....

 

That is a good point tTodd/DW, however, given my own comfort level, and I’m guessing that of the average owner, I would rather have the computer assisted alignment, rather than the old school tool method. I simply wouldn’t take my car around to the techs to see who could perform the best alignment with the oldest methodology.

Now, having said that, if I were highly recommended to a specific shop, and they just happened to use the older methods, then fine, but just calling around and asking, I’ll take the shop with the newest and best equipment available.

 

Thanks Guys,
I will do the 4 instead of 2 wheels !