Wheel Alignment, Balance and Rotation Costs

aj01 on 18/06/2022 - 13:52
Last edited 18/06/2022 - 14:25 by 1 other user

Howdy, just wondering what people are paying for wheel alignments, balances and rotations these days?

I know some may see them as a rip off and a marketing gimmick, I've never been certain about them either, but sometimes its maybe just who is actually doing the work and whether in fact they did do the work.

I might be wrong but I was sure years ago you would get all three, the alignment, balance and rotation in the one fee of $59-$79 of whatever it may be. Now it seems like most shops charge the alignment on its own and then another fee for separate balance and rotation from the few phone calls I made. I don't know, maybe its just me showing my age and it's been like this for a while.

I think I calculated it would be about $120-$130 for these services. I don't need new tyres but do think my alignment is crap at the moment.

Cheers.

Automotive Wheel Alignment

Comments

  • pegaxs on 18/06/2022 - 13:53
    +1

    $60 to $80 for an alignment
    $40 to $60 for a rotate and balance

    • Hackney on 19/06/2022 - 06:02

      $80 is a bit on the high side I would have thought.AWD alignment set me back $65 on my old CRV. My local BJ tyre shop charges $55 for the lot,W/A, rotation & balance.Very,very reasonable.

  • wei13 on 18/06/2022 - 13:59
    +1

    I was quoted $99 for the lot at my local Mycar and Bridgestone.

    • Jugganautx on 18/06/2022 - 17:48

      Wouldn't let mycar wheel align my car with a 10 ft pole.

      • Nugs on 18/06/2022 - 19:26
        +4

        what length would be OK?
        .

        • boomramada on 18/06/2022 - 19:58

          305 centimetres

  • Daniel Plainview on 18/06/2022 - 14:06
    +1

    Rotation? Well thats super simple to do yourself, make sure if you've got a full sized spare you're working that in as well - amazes me so many folks NEVER use their spare unless they get a flat - and tyres don't last forever, even if kept in the boot - the general recommendation is not to use them AT ALL at 10yrs of age (and suffice to say this they're best well before this!).

    Alignment I generally get done when buying a new set of tyres, unless I feel it's all working very well. Judgement call.

    Balancing is generally included for free, along with the tyres when they're put on your rims - along with disposal of the old ones.

  • slick7 on 18/06/2022 - 14:54

    Is the wear even? Have you hit a pothole or the kerb hard? You probably need wheel alignment only and rotation (i do the latter myself twice a year). Highly doubtful that you need to take the tyre off the rim and rebalance it unless something went wrong.

    My wife hit a pothole quite hard at speed and I've heard some suspension noises in certain circumstances since. I've taken into 2 separate mechanics for a suspension check and they both said no safety issues. I've also done a wheel alignment which came back almost perfect after not doing one in 4 years… My regular mechanic also tried to diagnose the unusual noise and he just reckons I'm a bit over the top and short of taking everything apart he can't see anything wrong with my front suspension.

  • Hackney on 18/06/2022 - 15:13

    $55 Bob Jane, that is all I ever pay.

  • blutek on 18/06/2022 - 18:15

    It's worth finding a shop with a Hunter aligner.

  • Ughhh on 18/06/2022 - 18:18

    Just got my car serviced. Rotate and balance tyre $25.

  • FoxJump on 18/06/2022 - 18:44

    If you don't drive much then don't bother. Age will eventually kill the tire

  • DragoBoyz on 18/06/2022 - 19:45
    +2

    If you are not getting new tires don't worry about getting the wheels balanced. They are putting weights on the wheel to counteract spots where the tire is heavier to stop wear and noise.

    Rotate is literally just putting the front wheels on the back only if the tread is in worse condition. Simple to do yourself if you can jack up your car.

    Wheel alignment is necessary if your car is pulling excessively to the left or right. If your steering wheel is not straight when you are going straight then you should look into it. If the wheels are not aligned the tires will wear out much quicker. The alignment is mainly effected by your driving and time, if you hit a lot of pot holes and your tires are super worn on one edge definitely look into getting one.

    When getting new tires they'll rip all the old weights off the wheel because the tires will be different. They will then rebalance the wheel. It is good practice to get a wheel alignment done at this stage to ensure the longest possible service life of your tires. Absolutely worth it in my opinion.

  • m2pic on 17/08/2022 - 11:13

    I called up a place in Hawthorn and they said:
    Rotate and balance $35 a wheel.
    Alignment $89 standard and $99 for 4WD.

    That makes it about $250 in total for my ford Territory. My recent tyres cost about $500. Seems too high to me.

    ——
    Rung around

    The main streamers TyrePower and Beaurepairs were $130 ish. General shops were $160-$230.

    • Hackney on 17/08/2022 - 11:44
      +1

      That is way to expensive,

      • m2pic on 18/08/2022 - 17:30

        Yeah. Seems to be the deal going round though.

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