Tracking.. sorted!

[fran-s3]

Well I thought I'd actually post a success story in here proving that you can get things right LOL!

Initially took my car to Hi-Q who replaced my tyres who did a good job but there tracking wasn't great at all and even admitted they couldn't understand why it wasn't straight after they'd set it up using lasers... (The steering was right hand down)

So anyway took it to a local performance car specialist and now the tracking is as straight as a dye... Doesn't even pull to the left like I've heard Audi's do as a safety feature... very impressed. So now my tyres will wear properelly... Apparently they were 40minutes out whatever that means - it did feel really twitchy round corners. The guy said he wasn't surprissed! So one happy bunny again.

 

[5ean]

I'm assuming it was a 4wheel alignment you got done? How much was it mate? After getting new rear shocks and rear tyres my car still seems to want step out round corners unless i have power on so next step is the tracking/alignment me thinks!

 

[Broken Byzan]

How much did it cost, and was it a 4 wheel alignment?
Caster/camber/toe

 

[fran-s3]

Hey chaps! Well interestingly enough... it wasn't! I went in their with the intention off having a proper 4-wheels alignment but the guy looked at my car and suggested I didn't need one unless I'd been in an accident or my tyres were really badly worn on the edges.. which they weren't... Just my steering was out!

£50 + VAT to do the tracking and they had it for 2hours for that... Although I needed complete track rods and ends which were seized solid, so that added £120 (supplied and fitted, obv not gen audi ones they're £80+ VAT EACH!) to the bill and another hours work. Pretty reasonable I thought.

 

[omegadirective]

Hey mate,

Sounds good! Who did you take the car to? I have a problem with the car pulling left too much, and it's driving me nuts! £50+ VAT isn't bad! I had the track rod ends etc replaced under warranty not long ago so I should be ok with all that excess!

Cheers,

Nick.

 

[fran-s3]

Well I used a company round the corner from my work called 'M-Tek' in Northampton, who did a top job. Their actually BMW specialists... Just so handy being able to leave my car with them whilst I'm at work, def well recommended.

I was going to use APS as they're offering a full 4-wheel alignment with their fancy ' Beissbarth 1813F alignment system' for £70+VAT which seems a good price. (http://www.autops.co.uk/html/workshop.html) Really top guys I've used them before, problem is their so busy it's crazy (as their so good!) and all their Sat bookings are full for like 5weeks when I rang. But worked out perfectly for me in the end taking it to M-Tek.

 

[omegadirective]

I was going to get APS to do some work to my car but like you said, the problem is their waiting list and I can only manage Saturdays too. Quite fancy putting a Forge 007 DV on the S3. I have to do the exhaust, manifold, and rear bushes now so going to have a hefty bill soon. I don't have enough space/experience or tools to do it myself. I'd like someone decent to do it but I can't afford dealer prices and some local specialists are just asking crazy money too.

Might give APS a go for a quote and see what they can do.

 

[fran-s3]

The DV isn't a hard job at all mate, seriously anyone with 2 hands could do it! Check out a guide on here, you won't struggle with it.. or any local members would be glad to help for some beer tokens I'm sure!

Yikes that is a bit of work.. try sourcing the bits yourself. Shouldn't be to bad with APS speak to Ed I'm sure he'll do you a good deal. Yeah exactly same here, don't have many day left to take. If you can take a day of and get over to them it would be well worth it... Also get a quote from some other specialists... VAG-Tech comes to mind, awesome etc

Sure I read somewhere here about a mobile company who come out to do the work and were really good. Can't remember who it was but a member was really impressed with them and their work, think they only come out to London ish area... Have a gander or ask about. Could be another option although your gonna need a ramp I'd imagine for the suspension work you need doing so prob isn't going to work...

 

[omegadirective]

Hazzydayz. Thanks for reminding me. I have a new S3 stalk on the way so I'll have to give him a call to get him to fit it. I'm just going to get all the old stuff ripped out and replaced with the new stuff. Get it done right by an expert.

I'm also thinking of getting the RNS-E retro-fitted to the S3. £850 Any idea how much the 6 CD radio unit is worth second hand as I'll sell mine if so? I couldn't find any floating on ebay the other week when I looked. I can never remember whether it's the Concert II or Symphony II. Or maybe neither!

 

[alijames]

If it's double din, it's the Symphony unit. Concert units are single din(ish)

You might get up to £100 for it on eBay. I'd be suprised if you got more...

Cheers,

 

[fran-s3]

yeah sorry I don't really know.... I was going to get the rns-E but the lack of speed camera warnings on it put me off... Settled with a Alpine unit which means I can have my 80GB of music with me and just use the tom tom one as I need... Slightly cheaper to compared to the £850!

 

[omegadirective]

Thanks Alistair, I'll have to try and remember that! Oh well, still looks like a hefty purchase. Will need to save my pennies! I'd do it myself but I'm a bit worried about screwing it up.

I won't mind the lack of speed camera alerts. I have a road angel too that I use on occasion, but I don't drive above the speed limit so I'm ok.