[FiftySeriesSixtyTwo]

I replaced the shocks/struts on all for corners using exact Monroe replacement numbers (Shocktex brand I think). They were identical to the units I took out, and they bolted right in without any special fuss. The fronts were replaced with the full integrated strut and spring units When I finished the front was sitting high, and it both sides had A LOT of camber. The rears had visible toe-in. I figured the drive to the alignment shop would help it settle in, which the height was lower when I got there. On driving it, the steering wheel was off center and it was squirrelly coming off a turn, it definitely needs an alignment.

A few hours later the alignment shop calls to say they have to take out all the shocks and put shims in the back and drill or elongate the holes in the front of the car because they can't get anywhere close to aligned with the factory holes. And of course this will cost about $500.

Has that ever happened to you? This feels like a shakedown for doing it myself with cheap parts. I didn't get out a micrometer or anything, but the parts were identical to the ones I removed, and I installed them exactly as they should be. How could the alignment be so far off they need new holes?

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[cadillac_al2]

It doesn't make sense to me. If it is a shakedown then that is very sleazy. I would try a 2nd opinion. My alignment guy would show me the issue. The factory slots should be adequate to get the wheels lined up.

 

[Ranger]

I had a '92 Deville and had a 4 wheel alignment done at one time. Never had any such problem. I second Al's advice, get a second opinion.

 

[RON93]

Different car same scenario. When I replaced them on my 2000 Deville the oem's definitely had a oblong hole in them for adjustment. The Monroes do not, just the round hole to put the bolt thru. At that point the alignment had to go thru the cradle and other components. My guy did loosen up some parts to get it right, but it can be done. My guy is really really good and knows his shit. But there were no shims involved.

 

[basscatt]

Different car same scenario. When I replaced them on my 2000 Deville the oem's definitely had a oblong hole in them for adjustment. The Monroes do not, just the round hole to put the bolt thru. At that point the alignment had to go thru the cradle and other components. My guy did loosen up some parts to get it right, but it can be done. My guy is really really good and knows his shit. But there were no shims involved.

================================
oem's definitely had a oblong hole in them for adjustment.
The Monroes do not, just the round hole to put the bolt thru.
other way around -
the OEM - ACDELCO 503-589 -has 2 round mounting holes = no adjustment -

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the MONROE 71685 has an elongated bottom mounting hole -
allowing some adjustment -

 

[basscatt]

I replaced the shocks/struts on all for corners using exact Monroe replacement numbers (Shocktex brand I think).
hmmmmm - I had never heard of Shocktex -
actually Shoxtec - so I tried a google search -

not much to find - other than their website - RED FLAG#1 -

I looked up the correct part numbers - then did a google search for them -

I was surprised at how few listings that showed up - RED FLAG #2 -

I was even more surprised that NO ONE actually had ANY for sale - front OR rear
not Amazon - not even ebay - RED FLAG #3 -

now I wonder if the problem lies within the items that you bought -
are these SO bad that NO ONE is willing to even sell them?

 

[RON93]

Good catch, I was going on memory and mixed the holes up. But I do know that the loosening of the cradle was a big part of the alignment and no shims were involved or even mentioned as a option. But like I said my car is a 2000 don't know about a 1992.

 

[FiftySeriesSixtyTwo]

The fronts I bought were shoxtec from Amazon for 105 for the pair. The tears are Monroe I got from rockauto.


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[raymondk]

Anybody ever heard of a die grinder? Just use it to elongate the two lower holes by copying the original units. The FSM covers the alignment in detail. There is no place for any shims, the guy is scamming.

 

[FiftySeriesSixtyTwo]

I picked up the car today, and they were able to align it without drilling or elongating anything. What they did was remove all four, and reinstall them. For $743. The service manager said that because I didn’t “scribe” the old ones to make reference points, they had to “undo what I did”, and take it all apart and start over.

Makes sense to you? It doesn’t to me.


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[RON93]

I picked up the car today, and they were able to align it without drilling or elongating anything. What they did was remove all four, and reinstall them. For $743. The service manager said that because I didn’t “scribe” the old ones to make reference points, they had to “undo what I did”, and take it all apart and start over.

Makes sense to you? It doesn’t to me.


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I don't mean to be rude but that is the funniest story I ever heard.

 

[basscatt]

I picked up the car today, and they were able to align it without drilling or elongating anything. What they did was remove all four, and reinstall them. For $743. The service manager said that because I didn’t “scribe” the old ones to make reference points, they had to “undo what I did”, and take it all apart and start over.

Makes sense to you? It doesn’t to me.


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==============================
Makes sense to you? It doesn’t to me.
NO - not on a modern car -

HOWEVER - back in the 70's we used to rebuilt the original struts -
cut the top off - dump the fluid out - toss the original shaft and other internal parts -
install a new cartridge -

if you scribed the original position -
the alignment was a LOT closer making it easier and faster -

 

[cadillac_al2]

You got hosed bro! Never go to that shop again and warn your friends.

 

[Enterprise 4Cam]

No, it does not make sense.

It implies about $600 labor to R/R 4 shocks/struts + $100 alignment + tax. Approx.

What does the invoice say? labor hours?:mad2:

 

[raymondk]

Yep, they took you. Just loosen 2 bolts on each to get camber, then set toe-in. Max 30 mins per wheel. They probably backed down from the first story in case you found this board.