Local Dealership Service Department didn't want to do an alignment

Got new tires recently and didn't want the hacks at my local tire shop doing an alignment. I've had bad experiences getting alignments at local shops (once requiring the dealership to diagnose and fix - it was an eccentric bushing left untightened that caused a banging when coming to a stop).

So I made an appointment with the dealer for that an a state inspection. Waited for about an hour an and change and saw them pulling up to the front so I went to the service advisor to check out. She said "they couldn't do the alignment because they didn't have a tool to do it without damaging the wheel." I have Toyota TRD Pro Wheels, BTW. But they did do the inspection.

So I pay for the inspection and on the ride home can't help but think they are definitely lying. What Toyota service center doesn't have the equipment to work on Toyota parts? I can't figure out why they really didn't want to do the alignment. Does something lurk underneath that they saw and didn't mention?

 

"Does something lurk underneath that they saw and didn't mention?"

That's a touch counterintuitive for dealerships, though. Something they looooooooove to do is find problems, and then charge you to correct them.

 

I can't figure it out then.

 

Do you have a lift, or aftermarket upper A arms, or anything non-stock? They may not want to do anything non-standard.

 

The local stealership was all too happy to take my money and do an alignment on my lifted truck with aftermarket wheels.

 

Not saying all dealerships are afraid of non-standard, but its conceivable that his is only interested in easy/simple alignment jobs, and saw something they did not want to get into. However, if the job made them nervous, they are doing the right thing by taking a pass, regardless of their excuse/reason.

 

Actually, Yes I do. Fox Shocks that level the front. If that's the case, I would prefer they simply tell me the truth!

 

Probably a labor issue. They are likely short on qualified hands. Any kid can do the inspection.

 

Research a local tire shop, the dealer has no business doing alignments, take it from someone that a dealer screwed on an alignment.

 

Oh yeah I've had that happen to me too, from a nissan dealer

 

Same here.

 

Two out of the three dealerships near me will not touch lifted vehicles.

The one I frequent the most will do it because I am a long time customer but my lifts are generally 1 inch and under these days. The service manager told me they always get complaints on lifted trucks so it’s easier not to do or work on them…which I do kinda get.

Not that I am defending the dealership but lifts, despite what we think, is uncharted territory. Hence why one should always proceed with caution and with the expectation that issues will arise.

I have found a local mechanic that is great. He asks to see the installation instructions before I mod. He reads through then contacts me if he can do it properly. Never had an issue and his work is incredible down to the proper torque.

 

Sounds like she doesn't know what she is talking about or just making an excuse do to some internal issues. But really new tires shouldn't merit needing an alignment unless you've changed the geometry of how the tires sit on the road (i.e. lift). If it drives straight you should be good just watch for abnormal tire wear.

 

I get an alignment everytime I get new tires. Helps that the place that installs them does alignments.

 

If you pay for an alignment and tire road hazard every time you get four new tires. You just bought five.

 

100% agree with this: find an independent shop that understands aftermarket suspension setups on trucks. They will understand the suspension geometry consequences of lifts, as well as probably being open to setting up the alignment with settings outside of the factory specs, if that is needed to get the truck driving the way you want it to. The alignment tech needs to actually understand how caster, camber and toe settings will influence how things feel on the road.