My alignment is perfect (recently done), but I need to change out the cv boots, and I'll be damned if I'm paying $70 for it to get done again after! Is there a national chain that has cheap alignment? $70 was a quote from big10 tires. I think sears charges $60...

 

If you were in CT you could get it for 30$

pull up to the back of a town fair tire and talk to the aliment tech, im sure they do side work just like over here.

 

Or you could buy the Firestone lifetime alignment, and save alot in the long run...

 

Right, but isn't that only lifetime for the tires?

 

Firestone lifetimes are a great deal. I've already used mine 3 times since last fall. Before that it was JustTires 8 x $59 ea. Just make sure their equipment is newer/can handle lowered cars if that's your case.

 

Separate the hub from the lower control arm, not the strut. Keep your alignment settings.

 

Is this difficult? I've not read about that way of doing it anywhere else...

 

On a related note, is it necessary to get a "4 wheel alignment" done on or cars? I thought I read somewhere on here a long while ago that you only need to do a less expensive, 2 front wheel alignment on our cars...anyone know for sure?

 

I believe that's right. When I called big10 though I told him what car it was and still the $69 quote!

 

Separating the hub from the lower control arm simply requires removing a cotter pin and a 19mm nut. A balljoint separator may be needed, and can be loaned from Autozone or Kragen at no cost.

As far as alignment, you should argue until they settle on "2 wheel" only. If they insist on charging you for 4 wheel alignment, tell them you will pay for it when they show you where the adjustments are made in the rear. Nothing to adjust back there, don't pay for it.

 

I suspect they'll tell me to get my alignment done elsewhere then