I am looking to get a full alignment/geometry check done some time soon (once I've replaced at least one of my wheel bearings..) and am trying to find somewhere with the right facilities to get it all done.

 

I have seen a few posts recommending somewhere with a Hunter Alignment Rig, and the knowledge to use one.

 

I have seen the likes of ATS and F1 Autocentres advertising a full alignment service - do they do a comprehensive check and a good job?

 

Alternatively can anyone recommend a decent garage who would do it either around Wiltshire or Slough (where I work)?


Also I have seen mention of updated settings from the manufacturers.  Is this something I need to look out for on my pre-FL (non-vRS) Octavia?

 

 

Cheers

F1 autocentres have Hunter rigs.

 

I got mine done in a F1 centre last year and they did a good job. 

I know some branches seem to be better than others but F1 did mine on Hunter & I was v/happy with the results. Only thing i'd say if your a fussy customer maybe time your booking time at a quiet time so you can speak with the handler incase you have any special requests.

I wouldn't know what special requests to make!

 

Is their pricing scheme all adjustments included, or do they charge extra for each thing they do?

Thanks guys

When I had mine done, they checked the alignment first and came over to discuss the printout.

 

The left rear was out enough to produce an amber warning on the machine. I can't remember if it was caster or toe, but it was one of the parameters that can't be adjusted. But he suggested trying to adjust the camber as that also affects the other settings......he managed to get it in the green again and suggested if I wanted to get it perfect, I should consider replacing rear bushes because as they age, they affect the geometry settings.

 

I bought 4 tyres and got part of the alignment done as a deal when buying the tyres. I think I had to pay an extra £40 for a full geometry check (as opposed to just a front geometry check for free with the tyre purchase). They did charge for the adjustment..........£20 I think, but I could be wrong......I'd have to dig out the invoice.    

Edited 6 July, 201312 yr by booke23

I popped into my nearest F1 Autocentre (Swindon), for them to have a look at my noisy wheel bearings.  

I asked about geometry checks & alignment while I was there.  

 

Their alignment rig was a Hunter laser one, but it was apparently was an older/more basic rig, and was only capable of basic alignment & toe checks, NOT caster camber etc.  

 

So just a heads up that just because it says hunter, does not mean it can do a full geometry check, and not all F1 Autocentres have the most up to date rigs which can check everything.

Took mine back to Wheels In Motion yesterday. It was done 12 months (6k miles) ago and wasn't too far out.

The front tyres have started to feather so Tony adjusted the toe to zero which is actually at the outside of skodas settings and swapped the front wheels side to side.

It now drives sweet as a nut again. The slight pull has been cured now too.

Can't praise these guys enough. It's 22 miles from me but is worth the trip. The guy who was just before me having it done had travelled down from Ipswich!

Took mine back to Wheels In Motion yesterday. It was done 12 months (6k miles) ago and wasn't too far out.

The front tyres have started to feather so Tony adjusted the toe to zero which is actually at the outside of skodas settings and swapped the front wheels side to side.

It now drives sweet as a nut again. The slight pull has been cured now too.

Can't praise these guys enough. It's 22 miles from me but is worth the trip. The guy who was just before me having it done had travelled down from Ipswich!

I use these guys too, did a good job on my car.