I noticed today that both my front wheels are worn on the outside of the tread face. I assume I need to get my tracking adjusted. Can I book this into any garage or is it dealers only ? Its been years since I have had to get this done, what are the expected costs ?
Thanks, Ag.
I got mine done at Kwik-Fit for £15 (if i remember right) after i went through a pothole and got my front wheels changed.
Took about 30mins as both sides were well out.
I was'nt sure if I had read that this was a dealer only job as the tooling was specialist to BMW.
Any decent garage will do it
Defo the tracking is away. You can get this done at any tyre and exhaust centre. To be honest i would stay clear of most kwikfits. (there are some exceptions, Greenock kwikfit is good) If you are replacing your tyres, even if it is only 2, you can get the work done fro free. Difficult time everywhere so call about and get the best price, hope this helps
Your local dealer will do a full KDM wheel alignment. Not sure what is involved but they use lasers and some fancy apparatus to ensure all the wheels are aligned properly. But then they'll charge you about £250 for the pleasure. As opposed to a Kwik Fit jobbie for £15.
Personally I'd be very weary of the £15 job from almost anyone. But It would also stick in my gut if I had to pay the huge dealers fee. They take about 2 hours to do it, which is why it costs so much. Also you get a computer printout showing all the tolerances of your wheels. What good this is to anyone I have no idea.
A.
R60 Light White / Red Countryman All 4 John Cooper Works Auto
R57 Chili Red Convertible John Cooper Works Auto
If you enjoy spirited driving then the outer edges of your tyres will wear
But, for peace of mind, Big Gordy knows a place you can get it done
My mate John runs his one man operation out of a unit in Bonnybridge. He specialises in wheel alignment and has a very expensive state of the art machineHe does all Knockhill's trackday cars I think. Don't qoute me but I think he's about 75 quid for a full 4 wheel alignment. Its cheaper if you just want the fronts done tho
If you need more info I can PM you his details
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Edison
Mutley - May 2003 Chili Red 'One'
I would strongly recommend AGAINST the kwik fit route!!!!!
The kwik fit machines are ok, nothing special, but can be accurate enough if used properly, which is extremely unlikely in kwik fit... especially for £15!!!
The type of machine used is all well and good, and it is nice to get a print out, but it means nothing if the machine has been used incorrectly, or the alignment adjusted in the wrong manner.
Make sure that whoever carries out the alignment out knows what they are doing, and can explain to you what is causing your tyre wear... I know this is gonna cause countless arguments, but wear on the outer edges of a tyre is NOT caused by tracking unless it is so far out it screeches tyres in a straight line!!! And if a so called "specialist" ever tells you the cause of a pull to one side is front tracking... never let him near your track rods!!!
Oh and by the way, Gismo is right
Rant over!
Originally Posted by C.Noble
Oh and by the way, Gismo is right
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