B5Drew

I need to align my 2001 S4 and really do not want to take this to the dealer. Basic stock suspension with RS4 rims and 225 40 18 rubber.

Any suggestions on who in the GTA (prefer west end) can do a decent alignment. They should also be able to do the sub frame alignment if necessary.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

chort_forever

Every shop that does alignments for cars should be able to do it. If not, then he doesnt have the equipment. And because its not audi, doesnt mean the job doesnt get done right. It depends on the guy who does it and the equipment. 4 wheel alignment runs here for about 80 bucks if adjustment is needed.

B5Drew

I wish I could believe that. The little I know about the S4 alignment is that the shop needs to have the tools and ability to move the sub frame to balance the front camber. This isn't a standard tool that any old alignment shop would have access to. In fact even the VW shops cannot properly align Audi's.
Thanks for your response though it just goes to show that this isn't a simple subject.

chort_forever

for me it sounds like a rumour since A4/S4 have same control arms and the rest of it, its usually different springs/shocks. i got a shop and im bringing the cars to a different shop for alignments, and they nevefr had problems with it. You should try a shop, if they cant do it, tell em you wont pay.

B5Drew

Thanks, I have done that (Goodyear and a Audi VW performance shop). That's where I have come to the conclusion that to do this properly and that includes the front sub frame which adjusts the thrust angle it should be done by Audi or at least someone trained by Audi. Actually took my A4 to a different Goodyear shop a couple years ago, it never ever had the directional stabilty it did with the factory alignment and that was after making sure all the components where good as new.
Just for curiosity, why don't you ask the technician doing the alignment what they do to adjust the front camber and sub frame /thrust angle?? I would really like to hear the specific answer with details.
Since this is an Audi forum and since we have started this thread let's get to the proper methodology of the alignment. If the Goodyears of this world can do the alignment properly then that would save all of us alot of money. If not then we are wasting our time and hard earned cash on a stop gap alignment that really doesn't do the car justice.
Your further input is appreciated.

Stevelev

After getting a crap allignment done in Ottawa, I had Independant Tuning do one and all was good again. (I know they're not in the west but they really know they're stuff !).

B5Drew

Thanks Steve. I actually talked to these guys on Friday, after my tire guy Simply Tires recommended them. Good to get 2 recommendations. Spoke with Mike and he answered all my silly questions and assured me that they have the tools and equipment to do this thing right. He actually told me the front camber is non adjustable and must be balanced side to side by adjusting the sub frame. Most front end shops just leave the front camber as is.. explains why some alignments turn out to be crap. He also mentioned that the rear camber is adjusted by eccentrics and that the lower bushings in most cases need to be replaced to come up with a proper balanced alignment. Also key is making sure the the left setting are within tight Audi tolerance to the right setting. This includes camber, toe and I think castor.
If I take it to theses guys I will what the whole process and provide a complete alignment write for anyone who is interrested.