Since last summer, I've had a clunking sound in the rear of the Miata and couldn't figure out what it was. Murph and I put it up on a lift and checked everything - didn't find anything. At the May 17th Stroud event, the car was almost uncontrollable and the rear end was super loose, but mostly in left-handers with the ass-end wanting to swing out. I'd been thinking about what might be going on so I put her up on ramps and checked the alignment bolts. The left rear trailing alignment bolt had apparently come loose enough to allow the eccentric washers to come out of their retainer rings and they were upside down and not performing their job. Fast-forward to needing an alignment for this weekend. Since Alan Lemmons is no longer available to do alignments (recently went through a divorce and everything apparently went to sh*t), I called around to about a dozen places in town for a custom alignment. To my surprise, everyone said "nope, can't do it. We can only do factory alignments". WTF? Finally called Dino's and talked to their alignment tech, Brian. He said "sure, bring it on in." Dino's uses a Hunter DSP600 alignment machine (laser setup) and I guess I didn't have high expectations, but Brian was remarkably competent, very quick but thorough. He performed a four wheel alignment, to my specs, in just under an hour to the tune of $75.00 - sweet!
Driving the car back to the office, it feels like a totally new car and no more clunking sound - tight! I asked Brian if he minded doing custom alignments - he did not hesitate when saying "not at all, as long as it has the adjustment range to achieve the goal". I am highly recommending Brian to anyone needing a custom alignment.
Lasers are sooo cool.
Dino's Tire & Wheel
5920 E Admiral Pl
Tulsa, OK 74115
918-838-3807
