Would you go to Sears for alignment

[PoorOwner]

Our family car needs an alignment would you go to Sears?
I think everyone has the same computer alignment anyway?

Sears does a list of inspection with it, do they take off the wheels and such because I don't want them to mess it up.

 

[filthy]

I go where it is the cheapest. IMHO, they are all the same.

I am sure a bunch of people here will state otherwise, but then again, this is a discussion forum. It is always like that.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have had vehicles lined up there in recent years and I have no complaints at all, they did a great job for me. As stated before I am sure many no votes will follow my yes.

 

[NOMAD]

No unless they have a hunter machine and can give me a readout of the specs and give me what I want. I'm particular like that since I autocross my cars.

 

[Uncle Buck]

No unless they have a hunter machine and can give me a readout of the specs and give me what I want. I'm particular like that since I autocross my cars.

The shop I went to had that, and that was several years ago.

 

[rsanter]

it is not so much where you take it or what equipment they have that makes the difference, its who does the work.
the new computer alignment systems are to make it fool proof however there are people that are bigger fools than the manufacturer suspected.
for years I used the old type equipment at the school I went to (became friends with the prof) and never wore tires. a couple of years ago I took my truck in to have an alignment because I had hit something that knocked it out. they had a computer aligner and the guy screwed it up. wouldnt drive right and wandered alot. I also noticed there was some wear starting on the tires. they tried to argue with me about it but they drove it and finally put it in the rack and confirmed it was wrong. then the excuse was that the guy was new and that the 'regular' guy was out that day.

if you make a tool that even an idiot can use...only an idiot will use it.

bob

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I'd trust my local SEARS, mainly because they have had the same crew for a few decades now running the shop, and I know a lot of people who have gone there with no problems.

It's the places with a bunch of young, wet behind the ears, just started techs that would worry me.

 

[PoorOwner]

Well, I can pay $20 extra to go to the motorsports shop, the guy there can make recommendation or let me specify my own toe or camber settings. For the family car I am not sure if this might be overkill though, at the motorsports shop it's always done right though.. I even go there to mount my online purchased tires because they have the machine that supposively very gentle to the rims. People with $500 a piece wheels go there too.

 

[mikeatrpi]

I do my daily driver alignments at sears. No charge if its within spec and they don't need an adjustment. Ask ahead of time for the before / after printout. Sometimes they forget to hit the button.

 

[Stuey]

There's nothing wrong with Sears, but you have to be extra careful of scum.

I was pressed for time before a big trip and went in for an oil change. The guy came out and told me that the mechanic said my belts were worn. I said, okay, show me. We head out to the car, I whip out a flashlight from the glove, and the guy spends the next 10 minutes trying to guess what's going on. He then goes to talk to the mechanic before leading me back to the waiting area.

I've had better experiences at other locations, but like any shop, many are honest while some others will try to sell anything they can.

Like everyone else said, you're likely going to get the same results as anywhere else.

 

[jackmcmanus21]

I'm fine with Sears. Like Stuey said, sometimes you're going to have to deal with dishonesty, but thats anywhere you go these days

 

[ImportTuner]

I'm not sure about Sears, but I took my car (was buying tires) to a place called Just Tires; they had a free alignment and said it was off and offered to adjust for $29.95. Boy, what a mistake, they broke the rear alignment bolt, I had to go back in 3 days for the one they ordered, then they used a 3 lb hammer to adjust my rear alignment which has never been the same .. I will never go back to Just Tires ... like the name says, they are ONLY good for tires...

 

[stuckinohio]

It all depends on the guy doing the work. I know all the cars I aligned over the years were done much better than most of the other guys in the shop. With the new computer systems most of the guys just say if it's green it's good. While that is kind of true as it means the vehicle is in spec, it may be right at the edge of the spec range which to me should be adjusted if possible. Say for instance your front camber spec is -0.5 degrees and the range is +/- 0.5 degrees. If the measured camber is anywhere between 0.0 and -1.0, it's in spec. So if the measured camber was -0.9 it's in spec, but just barely. Most guys wouldn't take the time to mess with it, but if the adjustement was an easy one to make I would go ahead and do it. Then there's cross camber to take into consideration if you only make an adjustment to one side of the car, and the list just keeps going on from there. So again, it's not so much where you take it to get it done, it's all about the guy doing the work.

All the extra attention to details like this is probably why I never made it big as a flate rate tech.

 

[dxdexter]

If the technician is competent and trained properly in the use of the equipment, then why not bring it to Sears, as long as the price is competitive.

 

[mrsleeve]

NO!!!!

the last time I took something to sears for an alignment I had it closer with a tape measure and a string than they got it with the damm laser's and computers. the print out proved it. they told me they couldn't get it an didnt bother to put it back to where I had.

 

[eschoendorff]

No unless they have a hunter machine and can give me a readout of the specs and give me what I want. I'm particular like that since I autocross my cars.

What he said. i was lucky enough to have the Corvette lined up by a local collision shop... they actually did it on a really high-tech frame rig.

 

[wilbilt]

It definitely depends on the tech, and to some extent, the management.

There were guys I worked with I would not trust to align a shopping cart. There were also managers that would insist "if it's green, get it off the machine" so they could get the next one on the rack.

Having a green screen does not mean that vehicle isn't going to pull or eat tires. Finding a tech that knows the difference...and actually cares...is the key. A tech who knows how to make the necessary adjustments quickly and accurately will make the shop money and keep management off his ***.

I did it for nearly half my life, but pursued another career because the pay and conditions sucked. Your local Sears may do a good job, but it is really a crapshoot.

 

[filthy]

If the technician is competent and trained properly in the use of the equipment, then why not bring it to Sears, as long as the price is competitive.

Just a question, how would you know if he is competent???

 

[dxdexter]

Just a question, how would you know if he is competent???

I don't know. I would hope sears doesn't hire incompetent people. Am I asking for to much?

 

[5wndwcpe]

I don't know. I would hope sears doesn't hire incompetent people. Am I asking for to much?

They do hire incompetent people but force them to work in the online division.

 

[T56 Impala]

They are okay. I take mine to an oldtimer who uses measuring STICKS and scribbles things in note books! Man is he good. I love to sit and watch him work.

 

[stuckinohio]

I don't know. I would hope sears doesn't hire incompetent people. Am I asking for to much?

Yes you are. Every shop I've been in has had at least one person I would never want to touch my car, and I don't just mean guys just starting out that haven't learned the ropes yet. I've also met many techs at training classes that were master certified that amazed me in how full of **** they were. In fact after 15 years of working in a few shops, there is only one guy I recommend my mom take her car to that I know will take care of her car like I would.

My advice to someone is to find a good tech and take everything to him. Going to one place for oil changes, another for tires, and another for whatever based on how much it costs can end up costing you more down the line. I've been trying to explain that to one of the other kids parents from my kids hockey team. They have been having a problem with there van pulling to the left since having one place replace the tires, another place replace the front struts, and yet another do the alignment. Any of those could cause the pull, and of course all the shops are pointing their finger at the other shops being the problem. I've tired to explain to them how to find out the cause of the pull, but they haven't really listened to that either. So they saved a few bucks here and there, but how much is their sanity worth?

 

[Danglerb]

If the Sears has a Hunter 400 or newer, should be OK, but its always a good idea to scope out the operation, check the Bozality of the person actually doing the work, and pick a time when the better personal will be on duty, but before it gets busy.

Here in town there is a really nice shop that does nothing but alignments, so thats my first choice.

Second choice would be wherever I end up buying/mounting my tires. I like to keep all tires issues in one place.

 

[wilbilt]

They are okay. I take mine to an oldtimer who uses measuring STICKS and scribbles things in note books! Man is he good. I love to sit and watch him work.

You have a rare find there. I lost my sticks years ago, but still have my note pads. I'll bet he can straighten a steering wheel by eyeballing the tires. It's really not rocket science, but more a matter of conscience.

 

[Spookrider]

What he said. i was lucky enough to have the Corvette lined up by a local collision shop... they actually did it on a really high-tech frame rig.

I would not take a Corvette to Sears but, my daily driver yes. Unless, you really know who works there and you have a good long history with them, maybe.
Know your tech and shop and know they are good in what do, sure there crooks any where you go, so find one and biuld a history with a Sears or any other Car Tech Shop.

For the money you pay for a Corvette, Wouldn't you take it and let any one but the oldest dealer tech touch that pearl.

 

[Fedwrench]

The key to a good alignment lies in two things. First, you should ask for and receive a printout listing before and after alignment measurements (not just specifications). Secondly, you should immediately take the car for a short test drive when picking the car up after the alignment is done to verify that the steering wheel is level and centered when going straight down the road, that the steering wheel returns to center after left and right turns, and that there are no pulls or drifts to either side. If anything is wrong, return to the shop immediately. DO NOT wait a few days to see if it gets better, it won't. Tell your advisor you're not happy and why. Have the shop foreman drive the car and have them make it right.
Of course, the driver has responsibility too. An alignment isn't a magic procedure that will fix everything. An alignment won't make your crappy tires better but, you may get alot more miles out of your new tires. If the shop says you have worn steering or suspension components and you decline the work, don't expect the alignment to last or to fix anything. If you routinely bounce off curbs or drive off road they'll be other issues.
Sears is a national chain and there will be great experiences and not so great experiences across the country. I would look for a shop whose alignment rack is busy. If you find the shop that supports the area body shops, that's the one for me. Don't let price be the only deciding point.

 

[alkemyst]

Sears does an ok job. Had one guy crossthread one lug and break another one time.

My current car needs a race alignment though as it's all adjustable and I wouldn't trust the typical Hunter drone to it.

My wife's car gets whoever has a special going when she needs one.

 

[wesreams]

anybody who has a hunter rack should send all there techs to hunter to learn how to line up a car, ive been to all 3 of there classes, total of 7 days of alignment training, ive learned alot, i work at firestone, and ive never had a comeback on an alignment since the classes, now before was a different story. oh the corvette, DO NOT TAKE IT TO SEARS!!!! all corvettes need everything done to line them up almost everytime, camber caster and toe is always way off, [lota shims] and alot of lazy tech will set the toe and let it go, "toe and go", plus there probly pressuring the tech to do a 1.2 alignment in 20 minutes!

 

[Zeroek]

I would take any car I ever owned to Sears to have it aligned. Just because I worked there and know how good one of the guys out there is. If camber is barely out of spec he'll set it almost directly in spec on every car. If something is adjustable then it's getting adjusted. Out at the sears I worked at if there was any worn suspension parts on the car and they declined to get it fixed then we wouldn't do the alignment. I've done some alignments out there. Mostly Toe sets. Camber/caster adjustments I always asked for help since those can be somewhat tricky. You really just have to have somewhere that has a good reputation.

 

[eschoendorff]

anybody who has a hunter rack should send all there techs to hunter to learn how to line up a car, ive been to all 3 of there classes, total of 7 days of alignment training, ive learned alot, i work at firestone, and ive never had a comeback on an alignment since the classes, now before was a different story. oh the corvette, DO NOT TAKE IT TO SEARS!!!! all corvettes need everything done to line them up almost everytime, camber caster and toe is always way off, [lota shims] and alot of lazy tech will set the toe and let it go, "toe and go", plus there probly pressuring the tech to do a 1.2 alignment in 20 minutes!

Well, sort of. The guys who lined my C4 vette up spent about an hour on it (this was on a laser guided frame rack - pretty cool stuff). And, he only charged me $80! I was in the drivers seat the whole time with my foot on the brake and making sure taht the steering wheel was where I wanted it. Oddly enough, even after spinning the car out, the alignment was not too far off.

The C4 Corvette has got to be one of the easiest cars to align. Everything is adjustable and accessible. If I have the equipment, I'd try it myself for fun.

 

[unsung]

The only thing I'll buy at Sears are items I don't expect to last long, socks, winter gloves. I'm not a fan of their tools since most are made in China or Mexico.

I wouldn't go there for any automotive work either.

 

[Rickster]

You need to find a good small local shop mechanic with a three or four bay service area. These guys live and die on thier reputation and I've found them more dependable, more honest and just plain better worksmanship than the chain stores. Here in the cold north you need a good mechanic to go to when it's freezing outside or you're not equipped to handle the job. Ask around at work for any guys recommendations.

 

[Crusty Nut]

Well, I can pay $20 extra to go to the motorsports shop, the guy there can make recommendation or let me specify my own toe or camber settings. For the family car I am not sure if this might be overkill though, at the motorsports shop it's always done right though.. I even go there to mount my online purchased tires because they have the machine that supposively very gentle to the rims. People with $500 a piece wheels go there too.

It's only $20 more. That alone is worth it to me to support a business that I like having around. And your sure it will be done right instead of wondering how Sears will do. Sounds like an easy choice to me.

 

[oldtractors]

I used to work at Sears Automotive 15 years ago in college. It all depends on the guy doing the work. Having said that, I wouldn't take my vehicle there. The highest paid guy in the shop is the service writer, because he gets commissions on all the sales. The techs just worked by the hour with a small bonus for beating "flat rate"

 

[eschoendorff]

I'm not a fan of their tools since most are made in China or Mexico.

Most of their hand tools are still made in the USA.

 

[wilbilt]

anybody who has a hunter rack should send all there techs to hunter to learn how to line up a car

You "align" a vehicle, or you "set the alignment". You don't "line it up".

The first thing they should teach is the terminology.

 

[ceo012384]

If you're not going to track the car, i.e. it's going to be a grocery getter, a sears alignment will be fine.

 

[Rickster]

There's more to the allignment than just the allignment. I've found a lot of these chain stores can't wait to get your vehicle up in the air and perform an inspection. I had a tire repaired at the local Bell Tire store and they informed me the mechanic changing the tire had noted my CV joint boot was torn and throwing grease and needed repair. Odd I thought since I just had some front end work done not long ago. I took it back to my local place and they checked it out and said it was OK and those guys were trying to scam me.