Wheel alignment

[wasp47]

Hello all
Had an alignment on my SE, the technician said the drivers rear wont adjust to less than 2 deg negative camber. Why is it so and how do I correct it
Cheers
Steven

[NitroDann]

Its probably too low. Or its been crashed.

[wasp47]

Thanks Dann, it isn't very low and no signs of it being "crashed"

[NitroDann]

no signs of it being "crashed"

I would argue that this is a sign it has been crashed.

I doubt mazda sold it new with suspension arms unable to align evenly.

Dann

[Maverick]

Hello all
Had an alignment on my SE, the technician said the drivers rear wont adjust to less than 2 deg negative camber. Why is it so and how do I correct it
Cheers
Steven

It may be worth while checking the long bolts on the lower control arms, these are prone to stretching.


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[NitroDann]

Thats not the issue here. Unrelated problems are caused by any of the suspension bolts wearing out.

[Maverick]

Thats not the issue here. Unrelated problems are caused by any of the suspension bolts wearing out.

I've come across several MX5's with stretched long bolts, these are adjusted for wheel alignment.
OR
You could be right, a smack into a gutter or hard hit elsewhere will certainly have same results.


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[Luke]

Is the car on original suspension or aftermarket. Height is a really important factor.
Also what could they achieve on the left?

To put this perspective the least negative camber whilst keeping the toe sensible on my left rear is is -2.1 degrees. I can have -1.8 degrees on the right.
No accidents. I don't think you will find a car that will be perfectly symmetrical.
That is at Maximum height on Tein Street Flex.

Also stretched long bolts affect the wheel alignment holding over time.
The adjustment is in the offset washer against the mounting point. Which can also wear.
There is a little tooth on this washer that sits in a groove of the bolt. These can eventually wear down and cause play.

[NitroDann]

Thats not the issue here. Unrelated problems are caused by any of the suspension bolts wearing out.

I've come across several MX5's with stretched long bolts, these are adjusted for wheel alignment.
OR
You could be right, a smack into a gutter or hard hit elsewhere will certainly have same results.


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Are you the same guy that incorrectly corrected me a few days ago about NC engines? I just checked. I knew because reading your post made me feel the exact same way.

Its good that youre so enthusiastic but please stop posting half baked facts you read about on the internet.

Just because you know that some of the bolts adjust the alignment doesnt mean you are able to infer someones problem with just that info.

They dont stretch, they fail as alignments bolts because the washers become concave.

Please stop telling people theyre wrong if you arent right.




The alignment bolts do fail. Its washer related.. nothing to do with stretching.

The long bolt is a specific bolt which holds the lower front suspension arm to the chassis. The long bolt itself does not fail and has no alignment adjustability.

If the rear camber is out a lot on one side its probably been crashed. If its 1.9* on one side vs 2.1* then its normal and lack of adjustment range is due to ride height.

/out

[StanTheMan]

air has that lead kind of feel in it

[greenMachine]

Steven, I think that an accident of some sort is the most likely explanation. I have heard that the knuckle is prone to bending, but don't ask me when or where I heard that.

Since the tech made (it seems) no further comments about shagged bushes, bent bolts or bent uprights, you have a choice. Find the problem, and fix it. This means taking it to somewhere where they can check the suspension points, compare left and right suspension arms and movements. Expensive, and then you have to replace whatever is bent.

Alternatively, get yourself a pair of the adjustable upper arms (I got mine from Mania) and then you will have ample adjustment. That leaves the actual problem unidentified and of course unfixed, but you will have correct alignment.

If you want to take a punt, I would replace the three main components - the two arms and the upright - on that side. It is possible the subframe is damaged/bent, but I think it is more likely to be the upright.

Let us know how you go.

[NitroDann]

I completely agree with the above Post.

What we first need to see however is the alignment spec sheet. If youre a little low the car may struggle to have so little camber naturally.

If one side made it only -just- down to 2* and the other side 2.2* then thats pretty even and can be explained with being low.

Otherwise its been crashed.

[Apu]

If there are two common themes on this forum:

1. Mr Morlock will invariably state the obvious, and be a wet blanket

2. NitroDann will invariably be right

[project.r.racing]

If there are two common themes on this forum:

1. Mr Morlock will invariably state the obvious, and be a wet blanket

2. NitroDann will invariably be right

+1000 internet points

[Maverick]

Thats not the issue here. Unrelated problems are caused by any of the suspension bolts wearing out.

I've come across several MX5's with stretched long bolts, these are adjusted for wheel alignment.
OR
You could be right, a smack into a gutter or hard hit elsewhere will certainly have same results.


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Are you the same guy that incorrectly corrected me a few days ago about NC engines? I just checked. I knew because reading your post made me feel the exact same way.

Its good that youre so enthusiastic but please stop posting half baked facts you read about on the internet.

Just because you know that some of the bolts adjust the alignment doesnt mean you are able to infer someones problem with just that info.

They dont stretch, they fail as alignments bolts because the washers become concave.

Please stop telling people theyre wrong if you arent right.




The alignment bolts do fail. Its washer related.. nothing to do with stretching.

The long bolt is a specific bolt which holds the lower front suspension arm to the chassis. The long bolt itself does not fail and has no alignment adjustability.

If the rear camber is out a lot on one side its probably been crashed. If its 1.9* on one side vs 2.1* then its normal and lack of adjustment range is due to ride height.

/out

"WOW" Iooks like I hit a nerve...
I beg to differ re Long bolts, they do stretch..
You like to think your the only one on this forum that is 100% correct, the only person that is never wrong, no one dare question your diagnostics...lol



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