I just got an alignment done on Friday, I only paid $60 (tax inc, CDN)....
Trust me it'* worth it, I had a customized one done because of the motorsports I do

The nice part about damaging only one side is you know the other side is ok
The way you have to steer to go straight will tell you which way you need to go on the tie rod adjustment. If you have to steer right the front of the tire needs to move right. . (so if your tires end up like | \ you'll need to steer right to end up like this / \ just to go straight) To refine it further you would need two straight edges and a tape measure. The straight edges go parallel with the body, against the tire, but above the tire bulge. The measurement it taken from one side, under the car, to the same spot on the other straightedge on the other tire. You need two measurements On infront of the tires and one in back. If the tires are in alignment the distance will be the same for both measurements. This simple method only works if one side went out of alignment. Its a bit more work if you need to adjust the toe for both sides but still can be done. You also need to drive the car a little for things to settle and then doublecheck.

For me its even easier, the Olds fender is parallel to the tires so I can just throw the straightedge against the fender and measure right to the tire

ok, thanks popatim! Always good to have some tricks in your pocket in case of an emergency on a "dark and stormy night"

woot! got the wheel bearing replaced and thank god I didn't have to mess with the newly aligned front end. My next few paychecks will go to replacing the rest of the wheel bearings. The next project after that will be a transmission rebuild which I will not do. I already know I'll goof it up.

Thanks for the help popatim. I had the shop do an alignment when I had the new tires put on.