Does a 1999 Ford Taurus need a rear wheel alignment?
I bought a new front (passenger side) tire 2 & 1/2 years ago and went to get an alignment at The Tire Store. The fellow told me that he couldn't do it - I needed new struts, tie rods, and ball joints. Since then I've been rebuilding my suspension all around, plus new brakes.
I bought a new tire for the other front wheel 5 months ago, and went to get an alignment again, and the fellows at the same Tire Store told me that once again, I needed new struts. The struts were replaced 2-3 months before. My mechanic, Al, said they just wanted to take my money and recommended a different shop. I made an appointment for a four-wheel alignment.
The fellow at that shop said he couldn't do it because my tie rods were shot, and showed me the 'click' when he wiggled the wheel (They were replaced 5 months ago)… Al's junior mechanic verified the problem. I read online that driving a car with shot alignment can blow your tie rods. It's possible that happened.So, today I got new tie rods again, and he also aligned the front manually so I don't blow the them again while I save for the alignment.Al also told me that rear alignments can't be done. The rear wheels are fixed, and the front is aligned to the rear wheels. I'm confused because both shops were prepared to do front and rear alignments. Al said they were just trying to take my money. Should I be asking for front & rear alignment or just front? There's a big difference in the price. Thanks in advance for any clarity you can offer.