Had new tires put on the 06 pacifica and was told the front needed an alignment, which was $45. the mechanic said the only way to align the front was to align the back first, so now the total was going to be $90.

Is this guy right or is he trying to milk me for every dollar he can get.

 

My understanding is that at any time when you have your car's tires changed, or suspension system replaced, an alignment is highly suggested.

 

yea i understand that......but do you align the back just to align the front?

is the back even adjustable?

 

I haven't heard of a rear alignment before. I recently had my tires replaced, the front and back were balanced but only the front was aligned. I've often seen ads for "wheels alignment..for 45$...".

 

It depends on the car.. some of the rears can be adjusted (or have adjusters) and some shops align the rears by brute force.. like when in an accident. I am not sure the order front or rear.. it makes some sense but why not talk to a few shops especially an alignment shop. If it were me, and if the rear tires were wearing ok, I would only align the front.

 

Hi,

I had an alignment done on my '05 when I had tires replaced. My local shop is a reputable company and they gave my Pacifica a 4 wheel alignment. The print out they gave me with my receipt shows that my car needed Toe adjustment on the left front, and quite a lot of toe adjustment on the left rear. As I understand it most modern cars with independent suspension are somewhat/fully adjustable at all four points hence the "four wheel" alignment. I don't think they are yanking your chain.

Oh and I don't think you should be paying double for the job. My shop charged $69 (posted price) for the 4 wheel with a 30 day warranty. If memory serves they were getting $49 for the front only.

 

i run a repair facility here and the rear alignment should be done first before do front but however the price varies upon shop to shop and depending on their machine they have we have four wheel alignment machine u have to do both. and it is one price for it. I have one of these pac myself and i do know they are known for bad rear alignment issues
and their is only rear toe adjustments too. but you should do the rear first.