Let's talk alignment... (camber, caster, toe)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Let's talk alignment... (camber, caster, toe)
My current suspension setup is H&R cupkit with half coil cut on the front springs. I feel a slight pull to the right and know that I need alignment. I know that a front camber kit is available for our cars, and it's my understanding that the rear camber cannot be adjusted. I've heard of the camber kit from MB, as well as the "triple C camber bolts" from H&R. Would either one work, or is the MB kit only for OEM suspensions and the H&R for H&R suspensions? Also, after a thorough search of the forum, the terms "toe" and "caster" have me even more confused than before. If anyone can explain this stuff in depth I would really appreciate it. Also, any reputable shops in the bay area that you guys would recommend? I've called a couple places and have received prices from $90 - $150, but have no point of reference for what a normal alignment should cost. Thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
My dealer charges $79 for an aligment and they put in the longer camber bolts for about $50 including parts. You can get rear caster kits to bring those within spec and I would recomend it if you have a big drop. I had a 1" Eibach drop and even with the longer camber bolts it barely made spec in the front. The rears where out by about 1 degree from spec. As for a slight pull to the right, that's just the Republicans. But seriously, most cars pull to the right in the U.S. (and other left hand drive countries) as the roads are crowned for drainage. To verify this, drive your car on the same side of the road in both directions (without hitting anybody) and see if the pull is still to the right in both directions. Of course lots of things besides alignment and road crown can make a car pull to one side, for example bad wheel bearings, sticking brake caliper, warped chassis, uneven tire pressure, etc...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Check the tire pressure before you do anything. My wifes car didn't pull either direction until we put the winter tires and rims on. After that it was a noticeable pull to the left. Left front tire was down 5psi from the right...after correcting that, problem went away. I was surprised that 5 psi was enought to do it. The summer tires have pressure monitors, so you know if any are different, but these don't.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
Thanks for the replies so far guys. Most of my questions are still unanswered, so any of you with a similar suspension setup who can provide input on the camber issue...speak up!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,268
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
There's a place in Mountain View that does some custom alignment stuff...
duh
Can't remember the name.
Check the yellow pages.
They're pretty expensive.
Another place that used to be in San Jose is/was Precision Frame....
Not sure if they're still around.
Also expensive.
I had my last alignment done at Firestone, and after much discussion about wanting them to do more than 'set the toe and let it go', they did exactly that and then
acted like we'd never even discussed it.
Clowns.
duh
Can't remember the name.
Check the yellow pages.
They're pretty expensive.
Another place that used to be in San Jose is/was Precision Frame....
Not sure if they're still around.
Also expensive.
I had my last alignment done at Firestone, and after much discussion about wanting them to do more than 'set the toe and let it go', they did exactly that and then
acted like we'd never even discussed it.
Clowns.
