From another post:

The driver side knuckle is may be bent, at least that is the only reason I can figure out why my car cant be aligned, as the shop agrees it could be why. My car is at goodyear and the guy there seems to know his stuff. He said for $200 he would drill out the A arm so he could pull it to spec(its off way bad). He agreed it could be the knuckle. So now do I pay $70 + dollars for what they have done then buy an install a new knuckle and have another $70 alignment and HOPE it was the knuckle, pay them $200 do drill it out(according to them it wont effect strength of the "a" arm ) OR buy adjustable "a" arms and still possible have a bent knuckle and still be buying another alignment?

Anyone want to suggest what I should do? I talked to goodyear more and they said they would only be drilling like 1/4 of an inch off the "a" arm. They also think even if the knuckle is bent its nothing to worry about as long as the alignment is right. My bro thinks I should let them drill it and if I have problems blame them. Based on the fact the guy is telling me even if the spindle is bent it perfectly fine. He really told me this



I searched paypal and found the sellers name:
Matthew Timney

 

Buy a new spindle and forget about it.

 

Bent knuckles are only good on an ape! It does sound like it was bent, and to do this it was overstressed. There is no cheap way to prove how much damage was done, so replace the knuckle. There's a lot riding on your suspension like your safety.

I would not let them try to bend the A-arm into spec. Again, that woud be overstressing (yielding) that part. I totally disagree that the guy at that Goodyear store "knows his stuff". I also wouldn't go back there for the alignment.

When it comes to unsafe advice like this "mechanic" is dishing out, I'm not a nice person: I would ask the store manager to sign and have notarized a letter describing the drilling and bending job and taking full responsibility for any problems it may cause.

Bet he won't. Even if he will, don't bend the parts.

My $.02

 

Listen to OldSStroker. Replace all the parts that are questionable. Then ask around and find a good alignment shop. There are shops out there that deal in alignments first and other repairs second. You'd be suprised how many shops, such as Goodyear and Firestone, have the equipment but not the know how.

 

No they wont be bending anything. They were saying drill out the A arm adjustment hole another 1/4 inch.

 

Bueller, Bueller , Bueller

 

Just buy a new knuckle man. They're not that expensive even brand new.

 

Ignoring the issue at hand, you're paying $70 for an allignment?

Is it just me or is that overpriced? I payed $60 Canadian for mine last week. That's like $48 US. I think the Chevy dealership charges $80 Canadian which is still cheaper.

 

GM, new...$200

 

There is also the IF it is the knuckle. If it isnt I may still end up having to drill it out.