I think I am needing a 4 wheel alignment check done but which one to go for?

My local Subaru specialist says that he uses a guy who is old school and does everything by string, which he thinks is actually better than using lasers.

Another place nearby (non Subaru specialist) does it by laser saying its the latest most accurate way.
Which one should I go for? The are both £50 for 4 wheels.

 

How long is a piece of .....

Laser but stipulate the geometry as you want proper settings not just a straight set up by a trainee. £50 sounds like the quality could be disappointing.

 

Find someone that uses this sort of kit to do a full geometry setup...

http://www.alignmycar.co.uk/

 

there is nothing wrong with the string kit which was around before the laser (infra red) equipment, the only downside to the string kit is the set up time, although the end result is down to what setting you specify and the skill of the operative, you can have the best equipment in the world which is only any good if you know how to use it.

 

I didnt realise what a minefield this is. Should I go in knowing what geometry settings I want or would they give me options? Would a non Subaru specialist be able to recommend me some good settings or do they go by a standards book?

 

a non Subaru specialist will go by the settings they have on file normally autodata if you want a fast road setting then you need to get the settings and take them with you or go to a specialist, is your car lowered? or have any other suspension mods?

 

the string method is fine but the equipment is all quite old and often sticks leading to some terrible results, made my old celica drive sideways after 2 hours of tinkering lol. Laser is fast and hassle free, non subaru types will go standard unless you have your own ideas, specialists will respond to your intended use for the vehicle and somewhere like scoobyclinic will set it, drive it then set it again so it will be fantastic (mine is) but you pay a bit more for their experience, that too far?

 

it all depends on who you get to do it. any monkey can follow string or laser, but for a decent setup there will be a few test runs and resetting. The local tuner here in aberdeen (who preps rally cars) does it with string. all his setups are bang on.

Why dont you ask for a test ride in a car he has previously done? check his credentials, if he is reputable then he won't hesitate to give you a long list of happy customers.

 

It is on standard suspension. Would setting it up for fast road increase fuel consumption? Is there anything wrong with the standard settings?

 

The cost of getting it done at scoobyclinic would be very high as its a 4 hour round trip. The local Subaru specialist I would use is HDC Subarau at Hebdon Bridge. They have been excellent for all other servicing needs but they would get in someone else who is a string specialist to do it rather than do it themselves. I dont know who it is but I wouldnt imagine they would use someone rubbish.

 

If the name Tamms came up, he was good enough to train F1 mechanics... his son's are still busy locally, but double check everything is tight once aligned

dunx

P.S. Track Torque near York have done a few club cars for the WYIOC...

 

Thanks but I would have no idea what or where to do that. This is what Im paying them to do, hopefully.

What are the pros and cons of fast road and standard geo settings other than the obvious.