Where are adjustment points for front alignment

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 08 Mar 2010, 21:15

I just removed and reinstalled one of the front struts and am planning to get an alignment per commonly heard recommendations. But it made me wonder why since the only bolts or screws that I removed and replaced do not have any ability to be adjusted that I can tell. Therefore, I don't understand how having done that could get it out of alignment.

Does anyone know where the alignment adjustments are made in the front end and or why it must be aligned after removing a strut?

Thanks,

Post by **charlyW** » 09 Mar 2010, 02:40

C@lvin wrote:I just removed and reinstalled one of the front struts and am planning to get an alignment per commonly heard recommendations. But it made me wonder why since the only bolts or screws that I removed and replaced do not have any ability to be adjusted that I can tell. Therefore, I don't understand how having done that could get it out of alignment.

Does anyone know where the alignment adjustments are made in the front end and or why it must be aligned after removing a strut?

Thanks,

Here are the instruction on how the adjustments are done. Toe in Toe out is the easiest adjustment thats done on the track rod end [Tie rod end I think in the USA]

FrontSuspension.pdf: (113.24 KiB) Downloaded 6867 times

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 09 Mar 2010, 04:50

Thanks CharlyW. the PDF is really good but unless I missed something it includes all the front suspension removal and installation yet doesn't say anything about alignment

That still leaves me with my original quesion as to why an alignment is necessary after removing and replacing the strut assembly since the only bolts or nuts that were involved (three at the top of the tower, one for the sway bar end link, and the two strut to knuckle bolts) cannot be adjusted. So what opportunity was there for the alignment to become out of alignment?

Thanks,

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 09 Mar 2010, 05:01

As you put things back the only adjustment you have is toe in. You can be off quite a bit on camber after a strut change though and in order to correct you will need to buy camber kits which are essentially eccentric mounting bolts.

...Lee

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 09 Mar 2010, 05:05

Thanks Lee. But why? What did I do that provided the opportunity to become misaligned? Am I wrong that the bolts and nuts that I removed and replaced have no adjustment ability to them? Where are the camber and toe adjustments made in the suspension? Sorry for being dense, but I just don't get it.

Thnaks again,

Post by **charlyW** » 09 Mar 2010, 08:04

Sorry about that included the wrong PDF try these, as Ozark Lee says theres not much you can adjust.

wheel alignment specifications and procedures.pdf: (81.15 KiB) Downloaded 4691 times

wheel alignment theory operation.pdf: (130.51 KiB) Downloaded 2053 times

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 09 Mar 2010, 09:12

Thanks CharlyW.

So.....if I understand correctly, since I didn't change or adjust the steering end links I would not have changed or affected to toe-in.

But......after reading about camber adjustment I still don't understand how the camber can change since there is no adjustment to any of the bolts/nuts that affect it. Why should it ever get out of adjustment in the first place so that it requires introducing the eccentric mounting bolts in order to crate an adjustable mounting?

I guess it's all sort of a moot point at the moment since the alignment shop just called to tell my I can pick up my car, but I still want to understand for future situations and hope that I didn't waste the $$ this morning.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Mar 2010, 09:17

Why should it ever get out of adjustment in the first place so that it requires introducing the eccentric mounting bolts in order to create an adjustable mounting?

POTHOLES!

After so many bumps, the suspension components get slightly bent (not so much visibly, but it does happen) that they knock off the original manufactured specificiations for camber. The quick & easy fix is simply installing these bolts.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/show ... php?t=6365

C@lvin · Post by **C@lvin** » 09 Mar 2010, 09:32

OK I can accept that after years of abuse the suspension can work it's way out of spec.

That was a very good link. Thanks.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 09 Mar 2010, 19:12

In theory you are spot on correct C@lvin. My reality though is that everytime I change anything on the front end (short of end links) the alignment is off and I can feel it in the steering wheel.

...Lee