[Update] Alignment Issues

[Varnell]

Alright, so I'm on Tein Street Basis coilovers. I'm at the maximum 2.9" drop on the front corners and 2.5" on the back corners. I just recently did the 5-Lug conversion. After getting aligned my car is still pulling to the right.

Camber:
LF:-3.0
RF:-1.4
LR:-2.2
RR:-2.1

Caster:
LF: 2.7
RF: 2.4

Toe:
LF:-0.08
RF:0.04
LR:0.06
RR:-0.04

I don't understand how I can have a 1.6 difference in camber when both front coilovers are at maximum drop. The only other bit of information I have is that my right front coilover isn't perfectly centered in the strut tower. I was going to fix it when I installed my strut bars.

Another concern of mine is when I get my FF T2's, how will I get my alignment? I'm barely clearing the ramp now. I'm thinking I'll have to take off my front bumper and side skirts, and put them on after the alignment. The issue with this is the screw in the wheel well. With my tires being 8.75 +20mm I don't see a way to get it unscrewed without taking the tires off (which would mess up the alignment).

 

[20-CG5-01]

Re: Alignment Issues

Most likely check the ball joints or the control arm. I remember a similar question asked a few months ago.

Edit: and your bushings aswell.

 

[Varnell]

Re: Alignment Issues

Thanks. That sounds pretty plausible. Though, I'd be a bit upset since I asked the mechanic to check all those parts while installing the spindles. It's only been about two weeks since the conversion. That, and I replaced that axle and ball joint when I first got the car. My money is on the control arm. They've all been giving out on me since I first put on my Eibach Sportlines. I guess lowering your car isn't for spirited drivers.

And my other question up there; any advice about getting alignments after putting the FF Type 2's on?

 

[soccerchamp16]

Re: Alignment Issues

Zero the toe out all around to prevent alot of tire wear.

 

[20-CG5-01]

Re: Alignment Issues

Thanks. That sounds pretty plausible. Though, I'd be a bit upset since I asked the mechanic to check all those parts while installing the spindles. It's only been about two weeks since the conversion. That, and I replaced that axle and ball joint when I first got the car. My money is on the control arm. They've all been giving out on me since I first put on my Eibach Sportlines. I guess lowering your car isn't for spirited drivers.

And my other question up there; any advice about getting alignments after putting the FF Type 2's on?

Yeah check the control arms especially for worn bushings. Mine had the same issue after lowering but it never bothered me much and mine was off by a lot more.

An advise is to find a shop with an in ground lift to do the alignment or it'll have a hard time getting onto the ramps. Some shops will be ****s and say they won't be able to do it. Don't fall for any of them to recommend you to get camber kits if you don't want them, they'll try to recommend you some but don't buy them unless you have to.

Zero the toe out all around to prevent alot of tire wear.

Those are probably as close to zeroing them out. Because you'll notice one side is (-) and one side is (+) which will leave the toe caster to (-/+)0.

 

[xci.ed6]

Re: Alignment Issues

For the front cross-camber:

Check your ride height, fender to ground, make sure the car is level
IF OK:
Front subframe probably needs shifted to the right. Alignment tech SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS. Take it back and make them do it again.
[edit: I forgot about bushings, but the tech should have checked them, if he didn't, they could cause this]

For the Toe:
Looks OK, tough to tell, I'd check the tire temps. Make sure the temp is even across the tread immediately after a normal drive. Hot = wear.

For the screw:
Removing your wheels will not effect the alignment. Removing suspension parts might.

[edit]
Bring some long 2x6's, or any decent shop should have them, to extend their lift ramps and prevent clearance issues.

 

[chino581991]

Re: Alignment Issues

some shops have alignment racks that allow them to do lowered cars, just look around your local aftermarket parts shop to see if they do allignments, thats what i did

if you dont find one and need to take off the bumper and do it at a regular shop, just turn your wheels until the wheel clears some space to get the screw between bumper and fender, worked for me. getting the tabs and bold on the bottom will be a little tough with your car lowered

 

[Varnell]

Re: Alignment Issues

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll be bringing 2x4's from now on.

I just got my ride checked out. Everything is rock solid. I had "camber kit" drilled into my brain. It also blew there minds that instead of correcting the -3 side, I wanted the -1 side to also be -3. I'm getting a camber kit with my FF Type II's. Hopefully things will be peachy from there.

 

[Chris Vu]

Re: Alignment Issues

Okay, so when I replaced my UCA on the passenger side, it caused my camber over there to lean towards -3.8 while my drivers side was still around -3.0 .. I'm sure it has something to do with the UCA being worn down .. either that or it's just because one's OEM and the other one isn't haha. Either way, I'm sure it has something to do with the UCA.

As far as the pulling, have them check your caster. You can kind of check it yourself as well. Just wedge your hand into the gap between the fender and tire at 3 o'clock on the driver side. Do the same on the other side except it's going to be at 9 o'clock. Just make sure the gaps are relatively the same .. If your caster is off a significant amount, it'll cause a pull. Also check your tires for any warping /buldging on the treads

As far as alignments go, I just take my car to a shop that specializes in lowered cars. I still take off my bumper so that it's easier to get on the ramp, but there are shops out there that specialize in aligning lowered cars. You just have to look around..

 

[Varnell]

Re: Alignment Issues

I remember something being mentioned about the CV joint needing to be replaced when I bought the car, but nothing about the UCA joint. Do you think a camber kit can override that, or is it something I should just get checked out?