95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Do I need alignment Service for my 2001 4runner?

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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 09:40 AM
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HenrySacto's Avatar
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Do I need alignment Service for my 2001 4runner?

Hi All,

I have a 2001 4runner with about 110K on it. I'm just wondering if I need alignment Service at this time. I replaced all 4 tires at costco about 6 months ago and I have never had alignment service for my truck. Toyota dealer is charging for $99.95 (4-wheel). Should I go ahead and do this service with the dealer or do I even need it?

Thanks,
Henry

Last edited by HenrySacto; Oct 24, 2006 at 09:41 AM.
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 09:53 AM
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doe it pull to one side while driving? slight vibration at high way speeds? it wont hurt since you got new tires and obviously you have never had one.

1. dont go to the dealer
2. go somewhere like sears or another trusted shop that will warranty the alignment. i get mine done at sears and its a 6 month warr on it, so i take it back at 3 months and just before it expires cause i wheel my runner and it works its way out from time to time
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by fireteacher
doe it pull to one side while driving? slight vibration at high way speeds? it wont hurt since you got new tires and obviously you have never had one.

1. dont go to the dealer
2. go somewhere like sears or another trusted shop that will warranty the alignment. i get mine done at sears and its a 6 month warr on it, so i take it back at 3 months and just before it expires cause i wheel my runner and it works its way out from time to time
How much did Sears charged you for the 4-wheel alignment?

Thanks,
Henry
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 10:02 AM
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From: Oahu, Hawaii
50 bucks
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 10:10 AM
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you dont need a 4 wheel alignment. you have a solid axle in the rear. IF you had rear ifs, then you would need 4 wheel alignment.

the only alignment you need is a front, 2wheel alignment. dont let them tell you differently.
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by seanz0rz
you dont need a 4 wheel alignment. you have a solid axle in the rear.
Yeah, I love it when places come up with crap like that.

To answer your question, as long as the vehicle tracks straight, has no wheel vibrations and the tire wear looks normal (ie evenly worn, not feathered/cupped/heavy wear inside/heavy wear outside/etc) then you probably don't need to do it. If you do have them go through with it, make sure to tell them in advance you want a machine printout for the specs it was set to (that way you know exactly what the steering is set to and they can't pull a fast one later if there is an issue).
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by MTL_4runner
... make sure to tell them in advance you want a machine printout for the specs it was set to (that way you know exactly what the steering is set to and they can't pull a fast one later if there is an issue).
:bigclap: i has issues w/the alignment after the stealer did the ball joint recall replacement. got the printout and went back 2 mos later due to excessive wear. i asked for the specs before they started and after. they werent close at all. had to take it back a second time and did the same thing w/ the specs. this time they kept it all f$#@*& day and i saw the guy take it out for 3 test drives before they said it was done. it was.
i suggested that they fill my tank before they wash it, they did.
no more alignment issues and it never cost me any $$$, just time.
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Old Oct 24, 2006 | 07:47 PM
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Any time you get new tires it would be wise to get an alignment.
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 01:20 PM
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I placed an order for brembo rotors & brake pads... planning to replace them when the parts arrive somtime next week...should I wait to do alignment after replacing the rotors and pads or it does not really matter? I can take my truck to Les Schwab to do alignment for around 50 bucks.

Thanks,
Henry
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 04:54 PM
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From: Montreal, QC Canada
Originally Posted by HenrySacto
I placed an order for brembo rotors & brake pads... planning to replace them when the parts arrive somtime next week...should I wait to do alignment after replacing the rotors and pads or it does not really matter? I can take my truck to Les Schwab to do alignment for around 50 bucks.

Thanks,
Henry
You can do rotors and pads anytime and it won't affect the alignment at all.
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 06:20 PM
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lee's Avatar
lee
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From: boston, ma
firestone's lifetime alignment is the best deal ever

i paid $119 and have gone in for one 7 times now

at their $50 a pop, that wouldve been $350.
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Old Oct 25, 2006 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by lee
firestone's lifetime alignment is the best deal ever

i paid $119 and have gone in for one 7 times now

at their $50 a pop, that wouldve been $350.

you shrewd businessman you.

them alignment thingys, i oughta get one of dem
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