i've just replace my idler arm and my steerings due for an alignment. the steering wheel is at 10 o'clock when i'm going straight and it slightly veres to the left.
first off, how much should an alignment cost? i just talked to a shop and they said it's $75 and takes 2.5 hrs. that sounds like a little bs... but lemme know.

2nd, what is actually done in an alighment? i'm assuming they align the steering wheel as well?

 

I was recommended to a local tire Rama because of the machine they use is supposed to be the best in town to align our precious sensitive Toyota's and they wanted $60. As for the steering wheel, depends if you have an airbag or not, if you don't just pop off the cover undo the nut and take the steering wheel off and then put the steering wheel back on so it is straight.

 

i'll give some tire places a call. well hell if that's all you do for the steering wheel then i can do that.

 

The steering wheel is not removed and repositioned for an alignment, that is done by adjustment of steering linkage. A Wheel Alignment allows the wheels to roll without scuffing, dragging, or slipping on all types of road conditions. Proper alignment of the steering wheels ensures greater safety in driving, easier steering, longer tire life, and less strain on steering and suspension components. The 3 suspension/steering angles are Caster, Camber, Toe.

 

hmm that's what i was kinda thinking but how to get the steering wheel straight in the proper way?

 

When your steering wheel is centered and you look at your front tires dead on, does it appear that your tires are out of square in any way? Mostly likely the reason for your vechile coasting to one side and you having to correct it because incorrect toe. Toe adjustment is done by your Tie-rods. First off start backing of the nuts on your Tie Rod sleeves, Center your steering wheel and correct which ever tire is has noticable toe by rotating the sleves. I suggest having a shop do the proper alignment.

 

i agree...i'll give some places a call later today. thanks for the good info. always good to know the general idea behind something.

 

Les Schwab tire here in the Valley is about $60.00 for an alignment.
Parts, if needed are extra.

 

Well, I dunno about other shops, but it only takes 20-60 for an alignment (20 being a toe-and-go, 60 being front & rear, accentrics and all). For them to quote ya 2.5 hours, they better be installing new tie-rods pitman arms and drag links...

And yeah, prices are around $60 for a one time + parts like Ring said, so I GUESS $75 aint tooo bad. Think that's the price of our lifetime. But another thing you should check on, was how many cars were in front of you? Like I said, if it takes .5-1 hour per alignment, and you only have one alignment rack, but you got 3 people infront of ya, sure it'll probably be 2.5 hours till they're done with ya.

 

Did you have the recent recall done? If not, then they'll have to do an alignment anyway when they do it and you might be able to save some $$$s.

 

Having been doing alignments for almost 10 years, to get the steering wheel on toyotas can be sticky and time comsuming for the reason that most older yota's tie rod sleeves are frozen (stuck) and will not turn, more times than not the innner, outter, and ajustment sleeves have to be replaced, but then again, you may not have too much rust problems in AZ that I face here. A good front end guy will insure the steering wheel is straight and doesn't pull left or right with a test drive. I aligned a new dodge today three times twicking it to get the steering wheel just right. Alignments usually are @ $60-70.

 

Ya old yotas almost always require new tie rod sleeves... so if your thinking 75 dollars be prepared for it to be a bit more...

 

big o tires quoted $55 and prob take about 45 mins. thats a good point about the recall. i'm pretty sure it hasn't been done but the recall goes forever correct?

 

My truck can't be aligned. bent frame, bent lower IFS brackets.. BUT ANYWAYS.. I do my own alignment in the driveway. Pass wheel is impossible to get the camber right but as far as toe goes, lots of cuss words you can get it.

As for getting the steering wheel straight. I drive down the road, take a mental image of where the steering wheel is (When driving straight). pull back into the driveway, put the wheel there. Mark the steering rod at the top where it has the teeth. Mark it so i know where IT IS to drive straight. Disconnect the rod, move the steering wheel dead center, put the rod back in the shaft, tighten everything up.

steering wheel is centered. I've messed with my steering enough to make short work of this procedure. It's kind of a pain to get the rod out but you can do it.

Just sharing my experience.

 

Yes the recall goes forever. Your local deslership will give you a free alignment with the centerlink. Might as well take advantage of it. Have the front end checked out to make sure there is no loose tie rods or ball joints. If there is replace those before taking it in for the recall centerlink and complimentary alignment.

 

What recall??

 

It's the very first sticky at the top of this forum: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/special-service-campaign-90-95-4runners-89-95-trucks-93-98-t100s-66901/

 

Recall's don't go on forever...

Haven't they stopped doing the head gaskets on the V6's finally?

 

sweet hasn't been done yet. hopefully this is an uneventful toyota service experience...