Geometry Checks

Phil W · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:42

Much difference over a 4 wheel alignment?

Anybody know exactly whats involved in being checked/adjusted? And is it worth having over an ordinary 4 wheel alignment?

Not really read much/heard about it before!

Thanks

Howard · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:43

It's the same thing

Phil W · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:50

Are you sure?

From the bits i've read, you can have 2 wheel alignments, 4 wheel alignments and then full geometry checks?

[TW]Fox · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:53

There is 'tracking innit' which is what backstreet places do for 20 quid, and full allignment, which is what more posh places do for £80+. In the same way that people call polishing detailing a new fad is emerging for banging on about 'full geo setup' which is... the same as normal alignment.

alastair · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:54

If its from a tuner as opposed to a tyre place; they will also setup the camber and toes etc. Taylor it to FWD / RWD etc, and how aggressive you want it.

Especially with FWD, a little toe and camber change from factory settings can really improve handling.

Biohazard · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:55

Howard said:
It's the same thing

Not a lot of garages can do a full geometry check though, most only do 2 and/or 4 wheel laser tracking, which isn't as good.

there is a difference.

Ricochet J · 3 Sep 2009 at 20:56

Can anyone recommend a wheel allignment place in or near London. Thanks.

NathanE · 3 Sep 2009 at 21:13

alastair said:
Especially with FWD, a little toe and camber change from factory settings can really improve handling.

At the expense of the tyres...

Hxc · 3 Sep 2009 at 21:19

I think my wheels have been balenced poorly as since the new tyres the pull to the left has become seriously strong. I'm gonna have to get it sorted sometime... I'll get the tyres done somewhere but the tracking was already out... hmm.

Dup · 3 Sep 2009 at 21:20

NathanE said:
At the expense of the tyres...

With the CTR, it can fix problems with the standard setup like wearing the inner edge of the tyres and it completely transforms the car in terms of handling.

Posh places will adjust camber & other alignment accurately and to your specification and will know about different scenarios (track use, road use, half/half) to help you get the best out of the car. Some cars need adjustment kits (bolts/arms for camber) to get the best result. This is normally called a fast road setup and you're paying for expertise and the use of expensive equipment a normal place may not use.

Conanius · 3 Sep 2009 at 21:20

my god, I've died and gone to heaven ! 2 geo threads !!

Without doubt, in my opinion the best place for a geometry in and around the London area is Wheels in Motion. These people will get the figures within minutes of a degree opposed to 'in the green, yeah its fine' I'd go as far to say they are better than Centre mavity (arguably one of the best places in the country for Porsches and S2000's)

I believe Tony charges in the region of £90 for a geometry check. However you get 2 or 3 adjustments (I can't remember) for free after. Translate that as, he sets the car to stock, you go off and drive it, decide it feels light/not direct enough, too fast turn in etc etc. Thats absolutely superb if you use the car on the track or are a bit enthusiastic on the road.

When my S2000 goes in for a geo they can adjust Caster, Camber and Toe at the front, and Camber and Toe at the back. Not all cars can have this done from the factory, and some will need adjustor plates/other parts fitted to do it.

Call Wheels In Motion, ask for Tony, and say Gareth with the S2000 recommended you... See what he can offer....

Fett · 3 Sep 2009 at 21:26

A full geometry setup is just that, all the relevant angles are measured and adjustments made, usually to suit the customer.

4 Wheel alignment/Laser alignment and tracking measure less angles and assumes other angles are already correct on the car. So no, not the same thing as far as I'm aware.

Howard · 3 Sep 2009 at 22:16

Conanius said:
my god, I've died and gone to heaven ! 2 geo threads !!

Without doubt, in my opinion the best place for a geometry in and around the London area is Wheels in Motion. These people will get the figures within minutes of a degree opposed to 'in the green, yeah its fine' I'd go as far to say they are better than Centre mavity (arguably one of the best places in the country for Porsches and S2000's)

I believe Tony charges in the region of £90 for a geometry check. However you get 2 or 3 adjustments (I can't remember) for free after. Translate that as, he sets the car to stock, you go off and drive it, decide it feels light/not direct enough, too fast turn in etc etc. Thats absolutely superb if you use the car on the track or are a bit enthusiastic on the road.

When my S2000 goes in for a geo they can adjust Caster, Camber and Toe at the front, and Camber and Toe at the back. Not all cars can have this done from the factory, and some will need adjustor plates/other parts fitted to do it.

Call Wheels In Motion, ask for Tony, and say Gareth with the S2000 recommended you... See what he can offer....

+1, WIM are superb. They did my MX-5 to practically bang on the specs I provided and as a result, what a transformation