Wheel alignment in Cambridge area

[mjt]

Can anyone recommend somewhere I can get a four-wheel alignment done around the Cambridge area, say within 15-20 miles? I was looking to go to a local ProTyre depot that I've used before (for tyres) but some of the reviews I've read have made me hesitate.

[GMo]

Theres a national tyres on Newmarket Rd. They're usually quick and hassle free

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[TomsFocus]

Have you got a Formula One Autocentres around there?  They're fairly good here.

[mjt]

Hi Tom, yes there is one in the city. Website says they use Supertracker. The local National Tyres centre also use it but say only for front wheels and they have Corghi Black Tech, which they say is fully-automated, for 4-wheel alignment. It doesn't say if the Cambridge branch has one of these though. I've no idea of the pros and cons of the various systems or how well-trained they need to be to use them. I've read on this forum in the past that some systems will give inaccurate results if the fitters aren't trained to use them properly and that's one thing that concerns me.

[Foci_st3]

Search online for a web site called align my car, all dealers on this site use the hunter proalign system which is the best in the country.

[TomsFocus]

F1 used something other than supertracker in Ipswich, it was all computerised, the tech just watches the screen as they turn the track rod and it works it all out.  Unlike supertracker where you have to use some maths and brain power lol.  Fitting the hangars wrong will result in inaccurate readings with any system unfortunately.

The Hunter system is the best but it's not cheap, if budget stretches to that it's the one to use...but not at Kwik Fit!

[yossi]

I use Kwikfit in newmarket road. They are good for simple things like tyres, balancing, etc.

For anything else engine or mechanical related they are absolutely rubbish.

[mjt]

We used that Kwikfit many years ago for an MOT on my daughter's car. They stung her for four new shocks. We haven't been near it, or any other branch, since.

[mjt]

21 hours ago, Foci_st3 said:

Search online for a web site called align my car, all dealers on this site use the hunter proalign system which is the best in the country.

Thanks for that tip. I've actually found one in the next village, believe it or not. Always thought the garage looked a bit disreputable but it turns out they're a specialist body shop. You can never tell by appearances can you?

The car's booked in for next week. Could be quite an expensive job depending on what needs adjusting but if it improves the handling I'll be happy.

I'll report back after it's done.

[yossi]

11 hours ago, mjt said:

We used that Kwikfit many years ago for an MOT on my daughter's car. They stung her for four new shocks. We haven't been near it, or any other branch, since.

yes I agree. Not for MOTs or services.
But for tyres and alignment they are OK enough.. 

[Foci_st3]

I wouldn't pay any more than £80 for a front and rear toe adjustment which is all that is available on the focus.

[mjt]

I paid £85 for front and rear as both needed adjustment apparently. I think it's improved it but I'm still not sure it hasn't got a small bias to the right. Trouble is it seems very sensitive to road camber and crosswinds, much more so than our Mk2.5. The steering wheel is also not quite perfectly lined up since the adjustment. Hardly noticeable but I'm a bit OCD with things like that 

It had an odd tyre on the N/S front which was obviously a lot newer than the one on the other side which had some wear on the outside edge suggesting it had been running with a lot of toe-in. To make sure that wasn't skewing the result of the alignment I swapped those two onto the back wheels and carefully checked all the pressures. It's difficult to say if that made any noticeable difference but I thought I ought to try it first if I was going to take it back. I haven't decided whether to yet. Maybe after this weekend I'll have a better idea as I'll be doing 80-odd miles each way on mostly dual carriageway.