Tires: Tire Balancing, tire alignment, tire balancing

Question
Thanks, your advice has helped alot! You gave me a range for pricing on balancing+mounting at 12.50 each, was that USD or CDN?, and how much do you think for alignment?, cuz I have a couple prices but I'm not sure.
Thanks!
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Followup To
Question -
Thanks for your advice. One last question..sorry, I recently had new struts put on the front end and new tires put on the back of my 96 Intrepid and I noticed that the front tires seem to have slight wear on the outside edges, which leads me to believe that it is a balance issue, or so I've read. Then again, I heard that when you get new struts you should have your tires aligned, but I dont have any irregular wear other than what I just described so I guess I'm wondering what kind of cost am I looking at for balancing the tires? Or do you think I need an alignment as well. I will get it checked out before I do anything, I just wanted your opinion on it. Thanks!
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Followup To
Question -
I get a vibration in the steering wheel and the front end of the car when I reach speeds around 50mph and up..It tends to increase as I increase the speed. I've heard that this is not tire alignment but rather balancing. Can you let me know if this is correct, and how much it costs to get my tires balanced, and do I need all 4 tires balanced or just the 2 front tires?
Thanks !
Answer -
John,

It could be a tire balance issue, but then again, it might not.  However, balancing the tires is the first thing to do.  It is probably the front tires, but once the car is in the shop, why not balance all 4?

Alignment would come in if the tires are irregularly worn and that is the cause.  In that case balancing the tires won't cure the problem - only replacement will.  Then doing an alignment is the next step to prevent a reoccurrance.

Hope this helps.

Answer -
John,

Outside shlouder wear on tires is an alignment issue.

You should always get an alignment when you get new struts.  It's also a good idea when you replace tires.

Tire balancing costs:  It varies, but around where I live, they mount and balance for about $12.50 each.  I assume just balancing would be less expensive.

Hope this helps.

Answer
John,

That was US$.

I'm in the manufacturing end of the business and just happened to know what I get charged for mounting and balancing, however, I have not done an alignment for several years, so I don't know what the current prices are like.

Hope this helps.