I learned how shops fudge alignment
The "heads" of the machine are mounted to the wheels. What's supposed to happen is the suspension is adjusted to get the desire,angle. Alternatively, the tech can simply bump the head mo ing it independently of the wheel, getting the desired reading only,and sending you on your way. The tech absolves himself by pointing to the print out which of course shows a perfectly aligned front end. Now you're scratching you head,wondering why your car steers like crap.
FWIW, the machine a new Hunter did call for the,spreader bar. The shop doesn't have one but the tech who autocrosses said that,he pushes out on the tires as part of his toe setting process.
I'll have to physically watch the alignment being done from now on and not rely on the final,print out. The good news is I,bought some Michlin Defender tires which are supposed to last a long time.
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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.
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