Rear Toe

**Bremms** · #1 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 08:35 AM

Well, trying to fix my straight line wandering thinking
there was a problem with the front suspension. Found that not
much was wrong there. I checked the rear toe...
OH SNAP!! 5mm of toe out!! so I adjusted with the string and
straightedge to 1.5mm toe in. Wow!! did that make all the difference.
Seems I should have checked the obvious things. I did change out the
struts in the rear and didn't do the alignment?? Thought I did but
must not have.

Michael Smith · #2 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 07:59 PM

Changing the struts would not normally affect the toe settings unless the ride height changed.

**Bremms** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 09:12 PM

That's What I thought too, it may change a little bit by loosening
and tightening things up. It must have been way out before.

**Alfissimo Int.** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:37 AM

I have to say that typically that is true for most cars. This car no, the removal of any suspension component requires an alignment after replacement. Removing the struts, front or rear throws it off every time.

The alignment is never right after removing these parts. This car is very nitpicky when it comes to alignment, it needs to be spot on or it handles like garbage. I have removed 1 front strut to replace a boot, after re-install the toe was out. I do not remember the numbers off hand but it was not out huge but good enough to just make it handle ooh so weird.

I would align anytime you R&R suspension parts, steering rack(some do not think you need to after this as well), lowering...

J

**ke3ee** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:37 AM

When you have the alignment correct and keep it that way.. boy do they handle and Tire life is good. I just went over 30k on my Bridgestones and still have 7/32 on them. I run all my tires on the high side.. 38psi cold

**Alfissimo Int.** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ke3ee

When you have the alignment correct and keep it that way.. boy do they handle and Tire life is good. I just went over 30k on my Bridgestones and still have 7/32 on them. I run all my tires on the high side.. 38psi cold

**ChazzyD** · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 09:17 AM

I had to loosen the front subframe recently to replace the front motor mount, now it doesn't handle as razor sharp, I'm suspecting it messed with the alignment somehow. This things are very finicky as has been said.
Charles

Michael Smith · #8 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 06:33 PM

My experience has been completely different. I had a first class alignment done in 1996 on my car. I have since had front suspension removed and replaced and the entire rear was essentially rebuilt with new struts and springs plus a new right track rod (the fixed one). After all of this work the alignment remained perfect as evidenced by the handling and tire wear.

I had the alignment checked after the last work involving complete replacement of the rear suspension and the toe needed a tweak only.

The boltholes for these strut type suspensions are fixed and close tolerance for simplicity of manufacture. The main cause of alignment issues, apart from damage, is incompetent alignment mechanics.

**Alfissimo Int.** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Smith

The main cause of alignment issues, apart from damage, is incompetent alignment mechanics.