Tracking or geometry check?

[wilsodg]

I managed to go through a very large pothole yesterday - huge bang and buggered the tyre / very slight ding in the NSF wheel. It doesn't seem to have affected the steering ( no pulling - in fact if anything the previous slight pull to the left is less noticeable) -but.. check the tracking or check the geometry? It was in Purslows today for service and I asked for advice - they said to see if it started to wear unevenly but also cautioned that if it does it would be wiser to check geometry.

I usually use Micheldever tyres, and they do 4-wheel laser alignment/tracking. The difference in cost is about 150.. MB being more expensive.

I was minded to got to Micheldever anyway for alignment check, but does a pucker MB geometry check do a lot more?

 

[sinewave]

Last place I'd go for a laser geometry check is an MB dealer!

 

[wilsodg]

I might agree with you, but why do you have this opinion?
Did they mess up your geometry once? Do you know for a fact that they do the exactly same thing as a tyre place for 5x the price?

Do tyre palces do tow-in, castor, and camber, or just tow-in?

Ordinarilly I'd not buy tyres from a dealer either, but yesterday they came up 10ukp more than the cheapest local place - and considering the car was there already I figured 10 ukp extra (on one tyre) to save me over an hour hanging round the tyre place was a bargain.

 

[sinewave]

I don't personally know of any MB dealer who has a full 4 wheel laser aligner.

Most would just check stock measurements and tracking or would sub it out to a specialist with the proper kit.

You need it on a Hunter rig especially being an E class.

Tony from WIM is a member on here and gets rave reviews for his work if he's within traveling distance from you.

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Welcome to Align My Car

 

[Simon_M]

Get the alignment checked pronto, my wife hit a pothole but never mentioned it until the tyre was unevenly worn. Once you notice the uneven wear it is a bit too late.

Car had previously been aligned by an MB dealer but always felt a little wayward. After a local specialist did it after the pothole the car (CLK) was transformed. I only paid about £60 for laser.

S

 

[developer]

This was my experience, also following pothole damage.

These rigs are fairly widespread.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres/132094-4-wheel-alignment-chemix-stourbridge.html

 

[wilsodg]

Thanks all - some good feedback. WIM aren't too far so I'll give them a call. Prices still look to be around 200 for a proper geometry check but I've read some of Tony's posts - maybe he can sort the pull to the left that I've had since new too.

 

[Major774]

Have a look at Denmead Tyre Service in Denmead, Waterlooville.

http://www.denmeadtyres.co.uk/

They use a Hunter alignment system and I only use them, good service.

I live in Redhill, Surrey but I still make the effort to drive and go to them.

Also help yourself to free drinks at the drinks machine while you are waiting.

 

[newboyuk]

Anyone know of a service like that either on Wirral - weekend home - or Chesterfield - weekday work??

 

[rudey]

I don't personally know of any MB dealer who has a full 4 wheel laser aligner.

Most would just check stock measurements and tracking or would sub it out to a specialist with the proper kit.

You need it on a Hunter rig especially being an E class.

Tony from WIM is a member on here and gets rave reviews for his work if he's within traveling distance from you.

UK Tyres Online Cheap Car Tyres Shop | Blackboots Wheels in Motion

If not Click on this and see whose closest.

Welcome to Align My Car

do you know tonys forum name ?
cheers

 

[jfhuk]

A lot of Kwik-Fit centres have Hunter alignment equipment now. If you do a Google search on your local centre it should show if they have a Hunter or not.

 

[a111r]

do you know tonys forum name ?
cheers

WIM.
Think it's wheelsinmotion.

 

[Gareth Kent]

A lot of Kwik-Fit centres have Hunter alignment equipment now. If you do a Google search on your local centre it should show if they have a Hunter or not.

You can have the best equipment in the world rendered utterly useless by the feckless people using it. There may be some decent kwik-fits out there but not in my direct experience.

 

[jfhuk]

Luck of the draw on most tyre fitter chains unfortunately. I've been to some rubbish independents to, particularly in the West Country.

 

[alzieboy]

I don't personally know of any MB dealer who has a full 4 wheel laser aligner.

Most would just check stock measurements and tracking or would sub it out to a specialist with the proper kit.

You need it on a Hunter rig especially being an E class.

Tony from WIM is a member on here and gets rave reviews for his work if he's within traveling distance from you.

UK Tyres Online Cheap Car Tyres Shop | Blackboots Wheels in Motion

If not Click on this and see whose closest.

Welcome to Align My Car

Robinsons MB NORWICH have one

 

[supermonkeyman]

Think the Glasgow dealership also have one but was told its £210, but steep and non-negotiable apparently.

As others have mentioned, the local Kwikfit also have one and had a look at the car and as it was only out by a few parameters, they've offered to do it for £50 so might go with that. Has anyone tried Kwifkfit?