I'm in process of lot of suspension work, planning on doing an alignment at the end. The thing is, I know NOTHING about what alignment really is, and how they do it. I want to avoid being ripped off, or having the guy not do a perfect job because I have no way of verifying if he's doing what he's supposed to.
Could someone please break down, simply, exactly what an alignment entails, and what to ask them about/look for? Please pretend that I don't know the words "camber" "toe" or anything similar (you don't need to pretend, because I don't). However I am familiar with the suspension on the Taurus, although I don't know what they do exactly. I know in the front they adjust the tie rods or something. Not sure what they do on the back. I actually have a wagon now, so would be very helpful if I understood this....thanks!
(P.S. I'm also curious if there any consensus about which chains such as Firestone, Meineke etc. does the best alignments, and whether it might be worthwile for a "car tinkerer" like myself to pay for a "lifetime alignment?" )
Could someone please break down, simply, exactly what an alignment entails, and what to ask them about/look for? Please pretend that I don't know the words "camber" "toe" or anything similar (you don't need to pretend, because I don't). However I am familiar with the suspension on the Taurus, although I don't know what they do exactly. I know in the front they adjust the tie rods or something. Not sure what they do on the back. I actually have a wagon now, so would be very helpful if I understood this....thanks!
(P.S. I'm also curious if there any consensus about which chains such as Firestone, Meineke etc. does the best alignments, and whether it might be worthwile for a "car tinkerer" like myself to pay for a "lifetime alignment?" )
