Just had my car aligned 2 weeks ago. They align the front wheels based of the rear. They only charge for 2 wheel alignment. Tech said its called a thrust alignment cause no adjustments can be made to the back...I am no aligment expert but this is what he told me....

 

hes exactly right. the thrust line needs to be checked, and should be parallel with the centerline of the vehicle. the front wheels get aligned based on this thrust line, and if its off, the front wheels will be off, thus negating the entire point of aligning the car anyway...

 

I should have specified align shop, instead of dealer. I know for a fact that some align shop will charge you for 4 wheels, many peoples dont argue with this because the lack of knowledge. Anyway the point is there is nothing to align in the back, if your rear wheel are off it's because you had a car accident or hit a big pothole or sidewalk or whatever else, and in that case you will have suspension component to replace that may include the multilink beam or the trailing arm. I'm sorry about the confusion using the word dealer again I should have said align shop or whatever you call it, cuz I never had my car align at the Nissan dealership.

AA

 

but there IS something to check in the back, regardless of presence of adjustment. very important


or a worn bearing or bushing... right. youll have something to replace, something that was damaged. do you wanna drive your car around dog-tracking? wearing out the rear tires?

its just a check, more often than not theres no problem, but its required, and should be free.