Aliignment Estimates
 

I'm creating a new thread as this alignment is a little more involved. I just got an estmate of 3 hours labor to align my MB. This includes aligning the subframe and adjusting the ride height. I could be also looking at almost $600 if a lot more adjustments are needed. Does this sould reasonable? Should I just go to a body shop? Work I've done... replaced springs, shocks, all bushings. There is not one old wear item in the suspension.

James, I suppose if they are going to do all that work, then the 3 hours is justified. I assume they are talking about the rear subframe and the rear ride height. My experience with all this is on a '91 S-class, but probably very similar. I never heard of an alignment shop trying to adjust the rear subframe, other than replacing the subframe bushings and the diff mount. I don't really know how they would effect an "adjustment" other than just replacing these rubber parts. I did have a shop actually bend a swingarm on my old Cadillac to get it in line, but it had been hit. Concerning ride height, my rear sagged a bit (the car's rear) and I installed some slightly thicker rubber spacers above the springs (MB makes 3 sizes). This brought the height, and the rear camber, back in line.
That may be what they have in mind. Is the rear low? do the rear tires lean inward? Then you probably need the thicker height spacers.
After I raised the height, and replaced the subframe bushings, all has been good, the rear stays in spec, and I pay for a std alignment on the front, about $60.

DG

Where did you get this estimate? The dealer charges around $100 for one and that's your best bet.

Ask this place if they use a 'spreader bar'.

Did you replace the spacers when you had the suspension apart with the same thickness?

Alignment at the dealership should be 100-125. If you have had it apart and adjustments are WAY out, it could give the same impression.

$600? That's too much @3 hrs labor. The rubber spacers are cheap. Your either missing some details or I'd question the estimate.


Michael

I paid 124.99 for alignment at the dealer. I thought it was worth the extra cost.