Good Morning, So im a few weeks into FFRR ownership, so far so good and im loving it

As I've covered some decent miles now it has highlighted a few areas to address. First and foremost I need to sort out the wheel alignment, the steering is out, whilst travelling dead ahead it needs constant correction as its determined we're heading off to the right! I've checked the tyre pressures and ride height and everything looks good.

Im based in Lanacashire, can anyone recommend anyone localish with the relevant experience and knowledge to give it a proper set up? I've had bad experiences using the tyre fitters on previous cars, i'd like to avoid making it worse and paying multiple times.

TIA Cheers, Andy

2011 Autobiography TDV8
1996 Mazda RX7 Type RZ

Pro tyres did a pretty decent job on both of mine

I've been thinking about getting this done too. Is there anything we need to be aware of when getting the alignment done on these? Any quirky suspension components that would make a regular alignment tricky?

Thanks for the replies,

Dolphinboy, was that a pro tyre in the North West? I've come to learn that whilst the geo machines are very clever a succesful outcome relies heavily upon the bloke with the spanners! Hence I was hoping for some recommendations

M@r]{ I was thinking along the same lines, I was expecting the ride height to have an effect.

I've noticed there is a workshop manual for the 2010-2012's on the wiki page but with a locked padlock symbol, I can't download at work but is this available for download or what do we need to do access it? Cheers, Andy

2011 Autobiography TDV8
1996 Mazda RX7 Type RZ

Make sure all suspension bushes etc are in good order first. They may find this out during the alignment. Pause, get bushes done and then repeat alignment.
Make sure they can lock it in Tight Tolerance Mode. If not, don't use them. If they say they leave a door or boot open, don't use them. A GAP IID Bluetooth can do this. Another reason to get one. Other plug-in diagnostics can do it too e.g. Britpart Lynx.
Use www.alignmycar.co.uk
Anyone nr Southampton = use Hutfields in Botley. They do it properly as above  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Dr Rob, thanks for that. I'm aware of the importance of the bushes being in good order. But the tight tolerance mode is new to me, does this pertain to the measurement equipment?

Could you also expand on the open door comment and the need for the IID tool?

I've also seen reference to a camber adjust tool for the front struts elsewhere online, is this realy required?

Im starting to think maybe I should just take it to Land Rover but I'd still like some confidence they'd do it correctly! Cheers, Andy

2011 Autobiography TDV8
1996 Mazda RX7 Type RZ

I’ve used Kwik fit - I don’t know if they still do it but they had an offer of £100 for unlimited checks and adjustments for 2 years, I certainly got my money’s worth.
Check the branch has got the Hunter 4 wheel alignment kit. I’ve no idea how tight tolerance mode works but it does make a difference.
I forgot to select it on one visit, as I drove away I remembered so they put it back on the ramp and had to make some adjustments when it was selected.

So it sounds like I'll need to take it to the stealership or LR specialist if I don't have access to IID tool or similar in order to get the most out of the job and at least have a fighting chance of it being right. I've just spoken to the dealers and they're quoting £150 all in for the 4 wheel alignment and I can only assume they will follow the procedure outlined by JLR? Cheers, Andy

2011 Autobiography TDV8
1996 Mazda RX7 Type RZ

I had mine done (years ago) at ATS in Leyland. I watched the geometry being adjusted ‘live’ on the screen in the waiting room as they turned the various eccentric adjustment bolts to make the necessary corrections. The previous week I’d had the geometry ‘checked’ at a nearby tyre-fitting place who claimed they’d adjusted everything properly, yet my L322 still pulled to one side. I remember telling the ATS guy this and he said “well they did a good job of putting the rust back on the adjusting bolts after they’d done it, then”. Like I said, this was years ago so I don’t know if they still have the same kit.

Phil

“well they did a good job of putting the rust back on the adjusting bolts after they’d done it, then”

That sounds about right! I've had very limited success getting alignments done correctly, it took numerous places to get both my M3 & M5 driving right. My current RX7 was even more difficult as you can adjust everything! It really is quite trick under there.

I think I might just book it in with the local LR dealer in Preston and be done with it until I stump up the cash for the IID tool. I really need to get my hands on a workshop manual for this car, then I'll be a bit more clued up what's required. I've a long list of things I want to attend too so I could do without the headache of having the alignment done a few times

thanks everyone for the input  Cheers, Andy

2011 Autobiography TDV8
1996 Mazda RX7 Type RZ

Try this link from the Wiki for the WM.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Byv5LFgQZqlWN1RzTVZTRGYwSmc Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

A decent place will have their own IID or similar electronic plug-in hand held to put it into Tight Tolerance Mode. Only a plug in can do this, it’s not something that can be done via the onboard menus.
A decent place will know what you’re asking about, a one won’t have a clue and will leave a door open and fob you off by saying it does the same. Absolute
Without putting it into Tight Tolerance Mode the car will simply fight off any adjustments being made due to the air suspension Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Use the weblink I posted and find a few and call them.
LR dealer will charge you way over the odds. Mine cost less than £100 Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Come over here, I'll stick it on my son in law's Hunter + computer ramps.

I know from experience that he and my daughter will "thank me"!!!

Tight Tolerance is (me + mechanic + apprentice, going for 0.00 to 0.02) through the whole setting range. (engine on/off at different stages). and me dictating computer screen results/commands to the guys underneath with the spanners.

It is not easy, we had changed the entire front/rear suspension on my L322 so were starting from ZERO with wheels pointing in all directions.

For a normal alignment garage, the rear cam bolts are going to be seized due to UK road salt, then you also have 'not exactly new' rubber bushes throughout.

IMHO there is so much rubber in this suspension setup that unless everything has been replaced, then front tracking is about as good as can be expected.

Yes it is possible to Align you as far as the first roundabout from the garage.

Basic, do Camber before Toe.

Best, Rich

Not exactly local to Lancashire but Chris at Center Gravity in Atherstone in Warwickshire takes chassis set up to the highest level. Www.centergravity.co.uk