Wheel Alignment/Geometry - Talk to me

[superhans88]

Just had a suspension rebuild (shocks,springs, bushes, control arms etc) and been advised that a full 4 wheel laser alignment is the way to go.. i.e. castor/camber etc not just tracking.

Question is, there seems to be a big price difference between the likes of ATS (£65) and some specialists (£100+). As I don't really fully understand what's involved, do we think this is worth the extra?

I'm going along the lines of you get what you pay for but looking for any info none the less!

[superhans88]

Car is a bog standard Focus.. so what will the £65 ATS special miss out if they say it's a 4 wheel laser alignment?

[superhans88]

From what I gather it is only the front and rear toe angles that are adjustable, although the front camber is dependant on hub carrier position which can be adjusted with steering knuckle to suspension strut mounting bolts (according to the manual!)

Although nothing else is readily adjustable, is it posssible for any of it to be out of alignment following the complete overhaul it has had (almost all new suspension components)?

As the very least it needs is the £65 ATS 4-wheel alignment, I'm just wondering if it's worth the extra £50 at a specialist or a waste of time as it's standard suspension kit?

[superhans88]

Getting confirmation of any damage is probably a good idea, the car's been pulling left for a while now (since even before suspension rebuild and new front wheel bearings).. no idea what's causing it as tyres are wearing evenly!