I just picked up a set of 18 inch tires from tire rack and have been calling around to get them mounted, balanced and the front end aligned. My car is lowered.

Here is the problem. I'm getting quotes from $30 - $50 PER TIRE to mount and balance because they are 18's! What's up with that? Should I be worried about places that don't have the right tools to install big tires?

And then, 1 out of 2 of the people I get quotes from say that they can't align my front because it's been lowered. I know camber can't be fixed, but I just want the simple alingment.

Has anybody else run into problems installing 18" tires and getting alignments when the car is lowered?

I appreciate any feedback...

 

Some shops can't adjust camber because there machines don't go that far, 18's and 19 up meaning. But they can do it if you find a shop that has the machine, they should be able to adjust toe, and camber. 30 per tire to mount and balance seems high to me but it may be your area.

 

i had a problem finding a place to do an alignment when i lowered my car.. my front passenger tire wore on the inside before i got around to getting an alignment. When i saw this i realized it was cause by my steering wheel being slightly to the right when driving straight. i think it was from when i was pushing on the rotor to get the shock/spring assembly out..

i finally got goodyear to take a look at it to see if they could align it and the did it without a problem. i think factory spec might work because when you lower it youre moving everything around and you might knock off the alignment a little. when you call a shop and tell them youre lowered, they assume youre an inch off the ground

 

max'n out & joesMax :

Thanks for the input fellas!

 

glad i could help