1998 V70 GLT - Rear Alignment- bushing frozen?

Seaway · Post by **Seaway** » 07 Oct 2014, 11:18

Got 4 new tires for my car and knew the alignment was off, so I had that done at the same time. Went to pick it up, and the front alignment was put within spec, but the shop said they were not able to adjust the rear because the bushings were frozen? Does that sound plausible?

Mechanics suggestion was to "swap the rear tires side to side when doing an oil change, but don't move them to the front due to the weird wear they will likely get." He said maybe the frame was bent, or maybe it has bent trailing arms and that he wouldn't spend the kind of money necessary to to fix the problem on this car.

Any thoughts? Could he just not know how to align the rear wheels? Is there some special magic to it?

Post by **tryingbe** » 07 Oct 2014, 11:27

They should have given you a piece of paper with the spec listed, what are they.

Only rear toe is adjustable, I believe.

Seaway · Post by **Seaway** » 07 Oct 2014, 11:36

Yes, there is a sheet that says that the camber is not adjustable. The toe is as follows:

Left: (-0.58)
Right: (-0.15)

Specified range is (-0.06) to 0.13

Thrust angle is within spec.

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Oct 2014, 11:38

Seaway wrote:Got 4 new tires for my car and knew the alignment was off, so I had that done at the same time. Went to pick it up, and the front alignment was put within spec, but the shop said they were not able to adjust the rear because the bushings were frozen? Does that sound plausible?

Mechanics suggestion was to "swap the rear tires side to side when doing an oil change, but don't move them to the front due to the weird wear they will likely get." He said maybe the frame was bent, or maybe it has bent trailing arms and that he wouldn't spend the kind of money necessary to to fix the problem on this car.

Any thoughts? Could he just not know how to align the rear wheels? Is there some special magic to it?

It is certainly possible he doesn't know how to do it, the trailing arm setup is unlike most newer cars (I have seen that at a shop in my town, I had to print and bring them the instructions), or doesn't want to mess with the aging/rusting suspension, or maybe he is right. I would suggest learning which bolts need to be loosened and check them out yourself, and get a good look at the trailing arm bushings to see just how bad they are. Put the rear of the car on ramps and have a real good look around.

Post by **JRL** » 07 Oct 2014, 13:04

It's quite possible the Delta link IS bent and/or that bolt is rusted on.
That is a lot of toe so you really should try to get that bar (link) replaced

Post by **taxi** » 07 Oct 2014, 14:42

Half way across the world, the same thing happened to me not long ago. A reputable tire shop couldn't get the bolts loose for rear toe alignment. I forgot about it, because it was very close to being within specification.
I think it's the aluminium bushings that corrodes with the steel screws.

Seaway · Post by **Seaway** » 07 Oct 2014, 15:00

taxi wrote:Half way across the world, the same thing happened to me not long ago. A reputable tire shop couldn't get the bolts loose for rear toe alignment. I forgot about it, because it was very close to being within specification.
I think it's the aluminium bushings that corrodes with the steel screws.

That is what the mechanic made it sound like, that he could not loosen the bolt at the bushing. I can't feel any pulling or pushing as the car drives, and it does not sway or wander at Highway speeds. They adjusted the front to within spec and the steering wheel is now straight.

Post by **scot850** » 07 Oct 2014, 17:33

Rather than us all guessing, I`d take the car back to thr alignment shop, get them to lift the car, and get the mechanic to show you what he is talking about. Take a photo of it and post it back here and we can help much better to minimise your expenditure.

Neil.

Seaway · Post by **Seaway** » 07 Oct 2014, 17:52

I already contacted the shop. I am headed there tomorrow to get a better idea of what is going on.

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Oct 2014, 18:05

erikv11 wrote: ... I would suggest learning which bolts need to be loosened and check them out yourself, and get a good look at the trailing arm bushings to see just how bad they are. Put the rear of the car on ramps and have a real good look around.