Alignment

[cny]

No personal experience with Firestone, but do have experience with Craig Autometrics.

[korth]

Originally Posted by icantthink4155

I have a strange issue that might involve my current alignment. I know if its off it would cause improper tire wear, but my driver side front tire the outermost tread row half the circumference of the tire is worn, but the other half is fine.

its your alignment probably just the toe angle.

Originally Posted by Deliverator

They didn't even look at caster. When I asked, they explained it was complicated and they just never did it. I politely insisted, so they took the five minutes to go through the procedure for testing it. Was not happy- 2.5deg caster front left, 3.4deg caster front right. This was 2-3 degrees off from the specs I gave them.

Then proceeded to inform me that it was 'probably within factory spec' and that it wasn't adjustable anyway. Explained that it definitely is... They fell back on just not knowing how. (have looked it up, front left caster is 30% below factory spec, and front right is exactly at the low end)

that is shady of them and poor business that much of a difference should cause one quite a bit of a pull, i align cars everyday at work and would never let one leave with specs at wild as this. and i wonder why my profession has a bad reputation.

[Jephro]

^^^ If its his outer part of the tire it sounds more like insufficient camber to me. Toe would be killing the inside of the tire (see mine for example).

Icant: have you autocrossed and spun the at all (or spun it some other way)? It sounds to me like at some point those tires got locked up and did a little sideways-drift-action (spinning during an autocross for example). Thats the only way that I can think of that only half your tire circumference would be worn.

[korth]

bad toe in will wear tires in that manner toe out will wear the inner edges

[rleete]

Originally Posted by Minger

Don't mean to bring this back up, but does anyone here have experience with Firestone in the Rochester area? I'm looking at their lifetime deal, which doesn't seem bad if they do a decent job.

Bringing this one back up because of my experience.

Firestone is okay in my book. I went there for tires for my wife's Tracker, after having a bad experience with Monro. I got Destination LE for her; I have the Destination AT for my Jeep. Anyway, I was very happy with the price and service. Alignment was done to factory specs, and they hit it dead nuts. Lug nuts were not overtightened (as Monro did), and they did it all in just over an hour. I went to the one in Henrietta, and I would not hesitate to go back. The Tracker has had about 2000 miles on it since the new tires/alignment, and I have been checking them regularly. No uneven wear at all and handling is better than when I bought it. I'd recommend the tires and the shop to anyone.

Ming, I realize you aren't in this area anymore, but I would check out the stores in your area. If they are anything like the ones here, they are worth a try.

[rleete]

Just got back from Firestone in Henrietta. Got inspected and aligned. I had them do the alignment to Flyin' Miata specs, and I have to say I like it. Very stable without any twitchiness, but still very responsive.

Forgot to bring the wheel lock with me, and they have to pull a wheel for the inspection. Doh! Called my wife (who was still in bed) to have her bring it to me. I'm gonna hafta make up for that one!

Very happy with Firestone. Not only did they meet the specs, they did it without any hassles or second guessing, and also took me out in the shop to confirm the numbers while it was still on the machine.

[cny]

Awesome! I may have to try them in the future.

[Minger]

As a side note...I went through East End Auto when I got mine done. They were cool with me staying in the car for the alignment, and I found them through M.net. Ran me $90 or so though, but the guy knew what he was doing...