Alignement for my S4 - how complex of a job it is?

[danmm7]

I have a B8 S4 and i am pretty sure i need to get an alignment for it, since it's wearing the front driver side tire too much on the inside.

My question is, given the suspension we have on these cars, how complex/tricky are they when it comes to alignments? Is the suspension even that special?
Can a regular tire shop handle it or should i take the car to a more high end/Audi specializing shop?

I regularly go to a local, small independent tire shop for my tire needs. They are very prompt and honest when it comes to tires. They also do alignments and many of them, but the only time I've given them a car for such service was when my old Ford Ranger truck needed it. They did a fine job.


Obviously, my S4 is a lot more advanced than a Ford Ranger, so i am trying to gauge if these guys can handle it...or should i go else where? Anything special about the S4 when it comes to aligning it? Last thing i want is an incompetent mechanic who has never seen S4 to mess up my front end.

Thanks!

[j1n]

Go to the dealer or an auto shop that specializes in Audi / German cars. Reg tire shops cant do it.

[RLB6]

I have a B8 S4 and i am pretty sure i need to get an alignment for it, since it's wearing the front driver side tire too much on the inside.

My question is, given the suspension we have on these cars, how complex/tricky are they when it comes to alignments? Is the suspension even that special?
Can a regular tire shop handle it or should i take the car to a more high end/Audi specializing shop?

I regularly go to a local, small independent tire shop for my tire needs. They are very prompt and honest when it comes to tires. They also do alignments and many of them, but the only time I've given them a car for such service was when my old Ford Ranger truck needed it. They did a fine job.


Obviously, my S4 is a lot more advanced than a Ford Ranger, so i am trying to gauge if these guys can handle it...or should i go else where? Anything special about the S4 when it comes to aligning it? Last thing i want is an incompetent mechanic who has never seen S4 to mess up my front end.

Thanks!

If the suspension is stock, then any reputable alignment shop should be up to the task. However, if it has been lowered, then no, you'll need to take it to a road race shop that does alignments because the geometry as changed. Most times, a shop that knows their stuff may or may not need to shift the subframe in order to get it dialed in properly. This is usually needed when the camber on both sides are beyond a .2 - 3 difference in degrees.

[danmm7]

Suspension is stock. I do NOT have the adjustable shocks either.

[RLB6]

Suspension is stock. I do NOT have the adjustable shocks either.

OK, then any reputable alignment shop should be up to the task.

[Game]

Firestone will do the alignment just fine. You can even get a lifetime alignment there for around $180.

[j1n]

Firestone will do the alignment just fine. You can even get a lifetime alignment there for around $180.

They refused to do an alignment on my car due to the dynamic steering. i dont have ADS

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Radar (adaptive) cruise control is the only thing that would cause you issues and increases the cost and process at the dealer.

[S4'ed]

The Audi alignment procedure for the 4-link front suspension design usually requires that the alignment is checked at two different ride-heights (static height, then they lift the car some specified amount, and recheck). Most shops do not know this, nor do they have the "Audi Special Tool", which is a spacer used to set the raised height.

Take it to an Audi dealer to be sure it is done correctly, per the factory procedure.