Alignment time and costs for Gen V $$$$

[ROCKET62]

Again - based on your picture of the alignment machine being used - how is that even 1 got past the inspection?

"A number of owners" is a bit of a stretch, don't you think? I've got more miles on my car than anyone (4,900 today) and zero alignment issues or abnormal tire wear.

 

[VENOM V]

Again - based on your picture of the alignment machine being used - how is that even 1 got past the inspection?

Oh yes, the sky is falling. A new Viper needed an alignment! SRT has failed, the Gen V is doomed!!!

Sorry I singled out your post, but I can't believe how nit-picky so many posts on this forum have been of late. Some people just tend to focus on the negative in life. I tend to ignore the bumps in the road and instead enjoy the drive.

 

[Cameron]

Oh yes, the sky is falling. A new Viper needed an alignment! SRT has failed, the Gen V is doomed!!!

Sorry I singled out your post, but I can't believe how nit-picky so many posts on this forum have been of late. Some people just tend to focus on the negative in life. I tend to ignore the bumps in the road and instead enjoy the drive.

For me it really was a non issue. I had a friend with the equipment and fixed with no issues.. Plus you have to take my car out of the equation because I didn't even let the dealership do the pre inspection. I am sure they would have corrected it.. Having said that the picture of that huge machine does make one wonder why this is getting through? Maybe SRT is not a fault.. Could be the way the cars are being loaded on trailers.. There are other variables to take into consideration... I still luv my ****IN HOT AS ALL HELL VIPER!!!!!

 

[Policy Limits]

I have heard of cases of them coming right from the factory out of alignment. Could be wrong but I believe woodhouse does a pre-inspection on their vehicles to check this and other things before shipping.

 

[wikkid]

When I toured CAAP, this is a pic I took of the alignment machine. It was state of the art, it even moved the suspension travel and checked all sorts of things. I'm surprised any car makes it past this machine out of spec.

You must be registered for see images attach

Maybe the hippie running it just died out his blunt. Come on guys, SRT and Chrstler period are not well known for fit and finish. Its been going on for many years. Almost all my Viper panels were off on my gen 3. And a brand new SRT8 jeep i bought, im not even going to sart on that finish.
SRT owners are supoosed to get better service, thats complete bull****....

 

[AZTVR]

Again - based on your picture of the alignment machine being used - how is that even 1 got past the inspection?

You probably have never worked in a manufacturing facility, I suspect. Especially when you automate something, it is easy to put out a multiples of an item with the exact same defect if the machine gets set up wrong due to human error or something broken. The more computerized the machine, the easier it is for it to be screwed up without someone noticing for a while. Simple copy and paste errors in a set up file or one digit entered wrong. Let's give the folks building this stuff a break, dammit. They are real people , not just some characters on a TV show to be put down by folks sitting in their judgement chairs high in their richie rich houses. (Sarcasm intended.) I have worked in a business where the highest quality is designed, inspected and built into the product, and we still get defects because we have to employe actual people, albeit American ones.

 

[Wezbad1]

I can't believe how nit-picky so many posts on this forum have been of late. Some people just tend to focus on the negative in life.

I agree with you 100%

 

[KB Viper]

You probably have never worked in a manufacturing facility, I suspect. Especially when you automate something, it is easy to put out a multiples of an item with the exact same defect if the machine gets set up wrong due to human error or something broken. The more computerized the machine, the easier it is for it to be screwed up without someone noticing for a while. Simple copy and paste errors in a set up file or one digit entered wrong. Let's give the folks building this stuff a break, dammit. They are real people , not just some characters on a TV show to be put down by folks sitting in their judgement chairs high in their richie rich houses. (Sarcasm intended.) I have worked in a business where the highest quality is designed, inspected and built into the product, and we still get defects because we have to employe actual people, albeit American ones.

I agree I wasn't upset at all about my alignment being off especially since they fixed it and it rides perfect now. And I learned that the warranty covers that and wheel balance for 12 months or 12k miles.

 

[wikkid]

I agree I wasn't upset at all about my alignment being off especially since they fixed it and it rides perfect now. And I learned that the warranty covers that and wheel balance for 12 months or 12k miles.

Yes it does, ive had my SRT8 jeep aligned already. It was way off. Its just a pain in the ass having to bring in a brand new vehicle.

 

[kratedisease]

Oh yes, the sky is falling. A new Viper needed an alignment! SRT has failed, the Gen V is doomed!!!

Sorry I singled out your post, but I can't believe how nit-picky so many posts on this forum have been of late. Some people just tend to focus on the negative in life. I tend to ignore the bumps in the road and instead enjoy the drive.

Unfortunately I agree to disagree. I assume the alignment machine was not set up properly. Regardless, with already a few owners having this issue SRT might think about sending out a TSB. If Alignment is not so important then why bother with aligning cars off the line at all ? Why bother aligning the body panels?. These complaints are important for SRT to know about. Just like the defective LEDs mentioned on a previous thread. The goal is to STRIVE for perfection even though perfection can never be achieved realistically. If a cross over Porsche buyer just bought a new Viper with a bad alignment, I am sure their first impression driving home would not be a good one and those impressions for crossover buyers are important. I have to disagree with the quoted post.

 

[chorps]

Not so cool, but I guess when you buy a Gen V from the dealer you should make sure they produce the alignment sheet specs for your car before driving off.

 

[ViperSmith]

Is this more of a dealer prep issue than a factory shipping issue? If a single car were off, then more of them were off.

Cameron reported the issue, but he also (from what I recall) asked the dealer not to do the entire prep.

Perhaps the issue lies more on the dealers not doing everything they are supposed to when the car rolls off the truck vs SRT.

But, I'd be reporting the issue to SRT - seeing as if it is an issue with production I assume they'd like to know.

 

[kratedisease]

Is this more of a dealer prep issue than a factory shipping issue? If a single car were off, then more of them were off.

Cameron reported the issue, but he also (from what I recall) asked the dealer not to do the entire prep.

Perhaps the issue lies more on the dealers not doing everything they are supposed to when the car rolls off the truck vs SRT.

But, I'd be reporting the issue to SRT - seeing as if it is an issue with production I assume they'd like to know.

100% FACTORY aligned. Not dealer prep issue. The Factory has a alignment machine at the end. Picture posted on this thread. NOT a dealer prep issue.. never has been.. and never will be.

 

[TrackAire]

i know mine was off pretty bad, the steering wheel sat to the left and when i let go on the freeway the car veered to the left.

Having the alignment slightly off should not happen, but many would not realize it (especially those at the factory driving the car from one location to the other at slow speeds).

But there is no excuse for not noticing that the wheel is off center. That is worrisome since it is just common sense and paying attention to a very basic and obvious detail. Glad your car is now ok.

Cheers,
George

 

[kratedisease]

Hey, misaligned front end..... misaligned trunk panels..... LED lights that don't work..... how dare any one complain...... its not like anyone's engine blew up.....yet....

and besides its not about how well the car is put together.... its about how many people look at you when you are driving it. Its about knowing that your Viper costs more than every one else's car. Its about feeling good about yourself. Its about improving one's self esteem. Its about making people jealous. Right ?

And boy oh boy the Blue and white stipe GTS looks classic !! What a great color combo. Glad they revived it from the 1990's !!

 

[ViperSmith]

Hey, misaligned front end..... misaligned trunk panels..... LED lights that don't work..... how dare any one complain...... its not like anyone's engine blew up.....yet....

and besides its not about how well the car is put together.... its about how many people look at you when you are driving it. Its about knowing that your Viper costs more than every one else's car. Its about feeling good about yourself. Its about improving one's self esteem. Its about making people jealous. Right ?

And boy oh boy the Blue and white stipe GTS looks classic !! What a great color combo. Glad they revived it from the 1990's !!

The only people I see "complaining" about it are the folk who aren't in the market for one.

Would I be annoyed if the car came unaligned? Yes.

Am I annoyed I have an LED that is burnt out? Yes.

All that matters at this point is how well SRT and the dealers will fix it. From all accounts SRT is trying hard to fix any issues with the cars out on the roads. Take the guy with the door popping open - SRT Engineering is working to help fix it.

If burnt out LED and misalignment are the worst things we have to deal with - I'll be happy.

 

[ViperSmith]

woops double post

 

[kratedisease]

The only people I see complaining about it are the folk who aren't in the market for one.

Would I be annoyed if the car came unaligned? Yes.

Am I annoyed I have an LED that is burnt out? Yes.

All that matters at this point is how well SRT and the dealers will fix it. From all accounts SRT is trying hard to fix any issues with the cars out on the roads. Take the guy with the door popping open - SRT Engineering is working to help fix it.

If burnt out LED and misalignment are the worst things we have to deal with - I'll be happy.

1) First statement that only the people complaining about the new Viper are the folks who aren't in the market for one. ONLY partially true. They are actually only using these poor quality issues as a way of justifying why they did not buy one. Makes them feel good that they did not buy a new Viper. Like..... " Hey Tom, gad I didn't buy that new 2013 Viper , I read that those puppies are coming off the line with the front end misaligned "

All done to justify their lives. I know. My wife is nasty UGLY and Fat and has no legs, but I keep telling MYSELF what a good choice I made because I know that she will never leave me....

2) The remainder of your comments are spot on correct .

I am glad to be of help to the Viper forms. No need to thank me.

 

[ViperSmith]

1) First statement that only the people complaining about the new Viper are the folks who aren't in the market for one. ONLY partially true. They are actually only using these poor quality issues as a way of justifying why they did not buy one. Makes them feel good that they did not buy a new Viper. Like..... " Hey Tom, gad I didn't buy that new 2013 Viper , I read that those puppies are coming off the line with the front end misaligned "

All done to justify their lives. I know. My wife is nasty UGLY and Fat and has no legs, but I keep telling MYSELF what a good choice I made because I know that she will never leave me....

2) The remaining of your comments are spot on correct .

I am glad to be of help to the Viper forms. No need to thank me.

Possibly so. I am the last to be an SRT apologist, I think they totally botched the launch of the car (especially custom builds). Everyone should know how I feel about it since I've complained enough LOL.

Time will tell how it all goes, I guess.

Now, can someone post up how god damned much the alignment costs?

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Wow Im glad my thread got so many replies so far and that I got your attention but as usual the posts have gone sideways if you will from the point of the whole thing. The point I am trying to get out to all Gen V owners and might be owners is that I heard from a VERY reliable source first hand that an alignment on the Gen V IF needed is very expensive and timely. Much more than previous models for reasons Im not sure. The time to do it per the factory specs is an all day deal or more, and the cost for labor is very high due to the time involved. The factory specs timeline I heard to do it under warranty (again, IF needed) allows for many hours to do it right. And could be even more if out your own pocket after the warranty has expired. So IF you are changing the alignment for the track and then back to street or you hit something sharply it sounds like a real head ache possibly. It would be nice if dealers chimed in to correct me or agree, but they may not want this cat out of the bag either to deter you from possibly buying the car based on expenses of ownership. Good luck with it.

 

[kratedisease]

Wow Im glad my thread got so many replies so far and that I got your attention but as usual the posts have gone sideways if you will from the point of the whole thing. The point I am trying to get out to all Gen V owners and might be owners is that I heard from a VERY reliable source first hand that an alignment on the Gen V IF needed is very expensive and timely. Much more than previous models for reasons Im not sure. The time to do it per the factory specs is an all day deal or more, and the cost for labor is very high due to the time involved. The factory specs timeline I heard to do it under warranty (again, IF needed) allows for many hours to do it right. And could be even more if out your own pocket after the warranty has expired. So IF you are changing the alignment for the track and then back to street or you hit something sharply it sounds like a real head ache possibly. It would be nice if dealers chimed in to correct me or agree, but they may not want this cat out of the bag either to deter you from possibly buying the car based on expenses of ownership. Good luck with it.

Sorry but there is NO alignment that is so complex that an engineer from NASA needs to be on site to do. And it surely does NOT take an entire day to align a new gen5 Viper. That's Hyped up Jive talk only that is designed to make you feel that the Viper is so special. Trust me you car is very easily aligned. I do the alignment myself on my 1997 Viper gts . I do NOT have a pit. I bought a laser pen on ebay and some hand tools and just prop the car up on some old milk crates and do the alignment according to spec from the factory service manual . I used to use chalk string but the laser pen is easier to use. Just cannot do it in direct sunlight since I cannot see the laser.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Sorry but there is NO alignment that is so complex that an engineer from NASA needs to be on site to do. And it surely does NOT take an entire day to align a new gen5 Viper. That's Hyped up Jive talk only that is designed to make you feel that the Viper is so special. Trust me you car is very easily aligned. I do the alignment myself on my 1997 Viper gts . I do NOT have a pit. I bought a laser pen on ebay and some hand tools and just prop the car up on some old milk crates and do the alignment according to spec from the factory service manual . I used to use chalk string but the laser pen is easier to use. Just cannot do it in direct sunlight since I cannot see the laser.

Well since your a very knowledgable enthusiast why dont you call a REPUTABLE dealer yourself and put this to rest. Keep us posted with your great background and knowledge please.

 

[kratedisease]

Well since your a very knowledgable enthusiast why dont you call a REPUTABLE dealer yourself and put this to rest. Keep us posted with your great background and knowledge please.

You call yourself. What am I , your waterboy ?

Since you are a VCA MEMBER yourself why don't you call your local SRT Stealer yourself ?

Do some work around here on this forum!! Don't be so Lazy . Help out the other members once in a while, instead of just complaining to me.

And please keep the condescending snobby comments to yourself Mr. VIPER GTSR 91 !! you are being RUDE !!

 

[KB Viper]

Well since your a very knowledgable enthusiast why dont you call a REPUTABLE dealer yourself and put this to rest. Keep us posted with your great background and knowledge please.

wow, you are quite the smart ass. why don't you go buy a gen V, drive it for 12 months or 12k miles then you go call a REPUTABLE dealer and see how much it cost for an alignment and let us all know how much it is and if it's worth it. have a great Weekend!

 

[ViperSmith]

So, the Gen V, which has virtually the same frame as the Gen IV, which only has one known real difference in suspension, has factors of difference in cost to align?

All day to align the car? Sorry, that is pure insanity to even repeat.

This thread is complete bupkis.

 

[kratedisease]

So, the Gen V, which has virtually the same frame as the Gen IV, which only has one known real difference in suspension, has factors of difference in cost to align?

All day to align the car? Sorry, that is pure insanity to even repeat.

This thread is complete bupkis.

You are correct. Virtually Impossible to take all day long. Tops, I see two hours of shop time. One hour to review the specs in the book and to drive the car into the service bay, and another hour TOPS to do the alignment. If it takes a whole day please tell me why......

 

[ViperSmith]

You are correct. Virtually Impossible to take all day long. Tops, I see two hours of shop time. One hour to review the specs in the book and to drive the car into the service bay, and another hour TOPS to do the alignment. If it takes a whole day please tell me why......

Maybe they can spot a sucker LOL

I mean, I guess the 4 stage shocks in the GTS could lead to some additional time - but a full day? I've got a bridge to sell you.

 

[AZTVR]

I have to agree that this thread seems totally pointless. I can't tell if the OP is asking how much an alignment costs, or if he wants people to be calling dealerships taking up their time asking questions about service they don't need. Perhaps he was done wrong by a dealer? In which case he should be asking us to annoy one specific dealership for him.

 

[Cameron]

Like I previously stated before my friend has a shop with a state of the art alignment system. We downloaded the specs by which my car was to be aligned. All four corners were way off with the rear being the worst. It took 1 1/2 hr to complete the job. That was with us being extremely careful to the point of going over the top. Also include that we made sure every nut and bolt was properly secured. So I think an hr to do a full four corner weighted alignment would be precise.... And yes My dealer did not touch the car in anyway shape or form. So he might have corrected it had he had the time to look it over.. I think this is dead on arrival as far as being a huge issue with Gen V cars.. LOVE MY VIPER!!!!!

 

[elanderholm]

Some of you guys are acting like an alignment issue from the factory is the same as them forgetting to include a steering wheel. My Evo and s2000 both were out of alignment when I bought them. Had them both aligned within a few hundred miles. Done, and with a lot less complaining.