I have read a few strings that mention wheel alignment, but I have not seen a direct discussion of using a chain shop, like Goodyear or Firestone, for alignments. With my past econo box cars, I have purchased the Firestone lifetime alignment. I end up needing an alignment every 6 - 12 months and on my other cars the local Firestone has done good work. Does anyone believe there is a concern about using Firestone instead of GM for a four wheel alignment?

Side note, I took my XLR by the Firestone I have been using for years. The store manager, who before has always been nothing but professional, shows me his Cadillac tattoo, jumps in my car and insist I drive him around the block. I think if I had offered, he would have left right then for a road trip.

sli1
2008 XLR, 2K mi, platinum on ebony, upgrade rims & grill, Cadi windscreen

My advice is to find the nearest Corvette club, and ask where its members go for alignment. Just because a dealership has a GM or so-called "goodwrench" sign does not make them competent. At least the couple of Cadillac dealers I've been to for service have been decent, although nowhere near outstanding. But, then, we just bought a cpo Lexus RX 400h, and we found enough problems that we're asking Lexus to have another dealer re-do the whole cpo inspection.

When I put new tires on my 2005, the store manager at a major tire chain (I won't mention the name) insisted I need an alignment, although the car drove straight and true. Since I was putting on new tires which I wanted to "wear" correctly, I trusted this hack and and spent the money but they screwed it up. Two other stores in the same chain could not get it right. In addition to the alignment, they also could not get the balancing right. After that, I went to my local mechanic who I have used for years for the balancing but he was no better than the chain. While it cost me, the Cadillac Dealer finally got the balancing and alignment right.

My experiences are very similiar. Long ago I decided to let the people who manufacture the car do the alignments. That way if there any problems I can take it back until it is right.

As some know this is my 2nd XLR (1st was a 2004 XLR) now a late production 2008 XLR-V. I am in the process of installing chrome "V" rims on the car and will get a 4 wheel alignment and balancing with the change over. As part of the process I also ask for a copy of the alignment specs on my car for my records.

The newer alignment machines are all computerized and will provide the spec/factory numbers along with the actuals on a printout. So printing a 2nd copy is real easy if you ask.

Regards

Feedback - I went ahead and gave Firestone a try since I have been doing business with this particular Firestone for years. I got the 4 wheel lifetime alignment for $159 plus tax. I am very satisfied. It cleared up the problem I had with the steering wheel pulling hard to the right. (Car came that way.) Of course every garage is different, so I cannot say what results you may get at Firestone.

Of course future "free" alignments come with a sales pitch. From past experience I know when I go in for an alignment check they will try to sell me something beyond the free alignment, but that is not an uncommon practice at many businesses.

Slightly off topic, I advise against buying brakes at Firestone unless you get upgrade pads or dealer supplied pads. Also, I recommend you never buy Firestone brand tires, although Bridgestone tires are great.