Brought my 07 coupe in for an alignment at a local Les Schwab, got a call the car was finished and the tech stated my left front lca bushing was starting to go bad and I should think about replacing it in the future (okay no biggie). Said my alignment was done and in spec. Picked the car up and drove home, steering wheel was crooked. Jacked the car and saw the lca bushing that sits under the motor was completely shot and the arm had shifted to one side instead of being centered like it should be.

The problem is, the shop wants me to pay again to have the car re-aligned now that I replaced the lca. Why wouldnt they stop and tell me to replace it before it can be properly aligned? They refuse to align it without me paying again. Am I in the wrong?

 

Read the contract, typically alignments are a one time thing. It is very important that your suspension is in prime condition when you bring it to them. If it's just one wheel, ask for a discount on a one wheel alignment. Typically two wheels is cheaper than 4!

 

Although I respect my bro urban I'm going to give you different advice. Since your LCA bushing is completely shot which would be apparent to any mechanic that has half a brain IMO you were given crap feedback by him (LCA bushing is starting to go). So he went ahead and aligned it anyway? Oh hell no, go back to the shop and ask to speak to the manager. Explain to him the entire situation and tell him you would like credit for a new alignment to be done after you fix the LCA issue.

I've stood up to quite a few managers over the years about different issues and when I had a logical case I always got what I asked for. If he refuses all you have wasted is a little time.

 

idk man if its related. ive adjusted the tie rod to fix the crooked steering wheel.