Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

alignment question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 06:13 PM
  #1  
mysuperslowej1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Default alignment question

I can't afford an alignment so I wanna do it myself but I lowered my car all the way around but the only things I find are for going off the back wheel but I don't think that'll work. My car is only lowered about 2 inches any idea on how many times I could just rotate my tie bar or whatever to get everything semi aligned? I have eg coupe.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 06:15 PM
  #2  
grumblemarc's Avatar
The Grumpiest
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 28,333
Likes: 24
From: Oak Ridge, TN, USA
Default Re: alignment question

There is no such thing as "semi" alignment. It either is or is not.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 06:19 PM
  #3  
mysuperslowej1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Default Re: alignment question

Well I'm saying that as in a few degrees off zero
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 06:36 PM
  #4  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

how the hell can you not afford an alignment but can afford to lower it? prioritize much?
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 06:40 PM
  #5  
grumblemarc's Avatar
The Grumpiest
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 28,333
Likes: 24
From: Oak Ridge, TN, USA
Default Re: alignment question

Here's a better question. Can you afford a new set of 4 tires when your DIY alignment isn't successful?
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 07:23 PM
  #6  
B_Swapped93's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 9,721
Likes: 13
From: Toronto,Ontario
Default Re: alignment question

I've never heard of a "DIY alignment" (or at least one being succsessful) that's something you get a garage to do imo.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 07:24 PM
  #7  
mysuperslowej1's Avatar
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Default Re: alignment question

Originally Posted by doood
how the hell can you not afford an alignment but can afford to lower it? prioritize much?
got hooked up

Originally Posted by grumblemarc
Here's a better question. Can you afford a new set of 4 tires when your DIY alignment isn't successful?
not really but i get free tires but that's neither here nor there i just need something to get my to stop eating tires.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 07:29 PM
  #8  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

so save up $70 and get an alignment?
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 07:30 PM
  #9  
B_Swapped93's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 9,721
Likes: 13
From: Toronto,Ontario
Default Re: alignment question

^exactly.

why don't you start selling said "free tires" and pay to have it properly done.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 09:10 PM
  #10  
98civdx's Avatar
Master Detailer
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15,511
Likes: 22
Default Re: alignment question

Originally Posted by B_Swapped93
I've never heard of a "DIY alignment" (or at least one being succsessful) that's something you get a garage to do imo.
You can definitely align the car yourself, but beware you could make it worse if you aren't careful.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 10:30 PM
  #11  
xile6's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: dallas, tx, usa
Default Re: alignment question

Google string alignment.
I believe it was on c-speed
I did my del sol and all was fine the 3yrs i had the car. But also it was only a small drop and i done alinmenrs before on the racks. So u know a lil more then the normal.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2013 | 11:01 PM
  #12  
hOnda_hiEn's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 0
From: sacramento
Default Re: alignment question

find the money for an alignment. it'll save you more money in the long run
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 06:41 AM
  #13  
belairbrian's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 409
Likes: 2
Default Re: alignment question

Alignment is a matter of geometry. So yes it could be done by a DIY process. But it will be difficult. One would need to find exact center points and make precise measurements. Add to that that a lowered suspension changes the factory geometry and you would need to figure out what the settings would be.

I just changed my tie rods, lower ball joints upper control arms, rear trailing bushings, shocks, etc. It was drivable but not right. I took it in for 4 tires and a 4 wheel alignment($79.99). Driving away was like getting in a different car. An absolute dream to drive.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 08:04 AM
  #14  
hmoobvwj's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Default Re: alignment question

Alignment is not that expensive depending where you are located.. Where I am from its anywhere from $40-$80.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 08:05 AM
  #15  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

i paid something like 160 for lifetime alignments from firestone. it's paid for itself 4 times over.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 05:35 PM
  #16  
xile6's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: dallas, tx, usa
Default Re: alignment question

Originally Posted by doood
i paid something like 160 for lifetime alignments from firestone. it's paid for itself 4 times over.
That's what to much IMO. I pay $50 for full or $25 just for front wheels. Never had a problem with that shop.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 05:37 PM
  #17  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

maybe you didnt understand. $160 for LIFETIME alignments. meaning i can go in whenever i want and pay nothing.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 06:27 PM
  #18  
Marvin1985's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 1
From: pa
Default Re: alignment question

Sears $150 for a 3 year 4 wheel alignment.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 06:51 PM
  #19  
Emeraldbomber's Avatar
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Default Re: alignment question

I would never do an alignment by myself without special equipment
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 07:40 PM
  #20  
98civdx's Avatar
Master Detailer
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15,511
Likes: 22
Default Re: alignment question

Originally Posted by doood
i paid something like 160 for lifetime alignments from firestone. it's paid for itself 4 times over.
Same here, until they stuck me with a "exotic car" fee. I was pretty annoyed with that ****.

Originally Posted by xile6
That's what to much IMO. I pay $50 for full or $25 just for front wheels. Never had a problem with that shop.

Read the post again, pay attention to the word LIFETIME.
More or less as long as you own the car.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 07:42 PM
  #21  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

Originally Posted by 98civdx
Same here, until they stuck me with a "exotic car" fee. I was pretty annoyed with that ****.
my local firestone doesnt care and will set to whatever specs i give them. they also have an in-ground rack so i can be slammed if i wanted and have no issues getting on.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 07:45 PM
  #22  
98civdx's Avatar
Master Detailer
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 15,511
Likes: 22
Default Re: alignment question

They do here for exception of a few where the half retard alignment techs know more then everyone else.

As soon as I said -2* rear camber, he said $35 exotic car fee and no problem. Guy still screwed my toe to hell and back.

I've yet to find an in ground rack.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 07:49 PM
  #23  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

i was there couple weeks ago after playing with camber getting my wheels to fit. told them to let me know where they were sitting and adjust off that. no problems, no extra charge. you mirin that rack?

Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 09:46 PM
  #24  
Verde's Avatar
Trial User
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default Re: alignment question

doood your alignment guys sound pretty cool. My friend has a lifetime alignment and last time he went in they did a half decent job. I sometimes don't like lifetime things because the techs don't put in 100% effort because they don't "see" the money when they work on your car. But maybe that's just me.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2013 | 09:59 PM
  #25  
doood's Avatar
been there done that
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,885
Likes: 3
From: earth
Default Re: alignment question

sometimes they dont get the specs exactly on point. so i just bring it back later and do it again.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:09 AM.