re- alignment after installing front spacers only

Post by **Kazthebassman** » 13 Oct 2016, 17:21

1999 C70 Cabriolet 2.4
I added spacers (15mm) to my front wheels on my C70, to eliminate some rubbing on the inner fender well. I think the rubbing was caused by the after market wheels. I guess it could be weak springs but I don't see any other evidence of that.
So, my front wheels should now be 15mm further outward than my rear wheels. I had an alignment done at Sears, AFTER adding the spacers. They said the spacers don't matter but they are lower level techs, so I ask you, does it matter?
The car drove worse after the alignment. Now a few thousand miles later my front tires are wearing very badly on the inner edge.
I really don't know very much about alignment procedures. I do know they use some sort of laser system at Sears.
Any input will be appreciated. Thanks

clifford06 · Post by **clifford06** » 13 Oct 2016, 18:01

Greetings. You may need to have it checked at another shop. In my opinion , Sears is not a place to shop. Quality has dropped . Tools and service lack .. Your tires more than likely have bad alignment wear. I am suffering from the same issue with my truck . New alignment done before new tires. 2000 miles later and another alignment and the ride feels worse. If they said spacers shouldn't make a difference , then why would they even do the alignment ?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 14 Oct 2016, 13:12

clifford06 wrote:If they said spacers shouldn't make a difference , then why would they even do the alignment ?

Bad mechanics who are looking for money... that's why.

I would take it elsewhere and get an expert opinion. Not by a Sears or Walmart "mechanic." I get fed up enough with those clowns every time I go to claim the warranty on my Walmart NeverStart batteries...
Anyway, find a reputable shop in your area that does in-house alignments. The dealer might even be a good option, but they will probably kill you on the price.

Post by **Kazthebassman** » 14 Oct 2016, 23:39

I actually brought it in because I had a 1 year plan that was to expire. My concern is that if they tried to square the front with the rear wheels, they may have pushed the front inward and the rear outward, as the spacers that I have on, move the front wheels 15mm outward. The rear wheels have no spacers.
I guess I need a much better alignment shop. It seems there are none in central NJ. A different one nearby broke my power widow switch and damaged my door panel trying to get the window up. All they had to do was push the all window switch to raise the windows. The only thing I don't do myself is tires and alignment, but maybe that has to change, as no one seems to be able to do that without damaging my car around here. Sears thinks 200ft lbs is ok on wheel mounting too, while it says 81 ft lbs on the service ticket. Sorry about the rant. Any suggestions for alignment in central NJ (North Brunswick) ?