alignment and steering

[wilsonp]

Having put in Bilsteins on the lower perch, I needed a new alignment.

After having my alignment done twice, I have -2.8/-3.0 camber in the rear and my steering wheel isn't straight.

Looking in the FAQ (and searching), I couldn't see how increased camber in rear would affect handling - any comments?

I also have -0.4/-0.7 camber in the front - should I ask to get closer to each other?

I thought I read that the steering wheel could be adjusted separately from alignment, but I didn't see a method in the service manual. Is there a steering wheel adjustment, or must it be done in the suspension?

 

[coolnsx]

Rear alignment

With that setup in the rear aren't the insides on the rears wearing quickly?

 

[nsx4fun]

I believe straightening the steering wheel is done with the adjusters for Toe. At least it is on other vehicles. By adjusting both sides properly, you can maintain the same Toe but alter the steering wheel position. My car's alignment has much better balance than you report. I think I would search out another alignment shop that can do a better job of making the car the same on both sides. JMHO. Although I think your post answers part of my question and it sounds like I should be able to reduce my camber on the front from -1.5 to -1.0

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Pete,

What are you using for springs?? I ask since your rear negative camber sounds high for Bilsteins on the lower setting which should lower the car 7/8". Are you by chance running with Eibachs too?? That would bring it down almost 2" which would make more sense for that amount of negative camber.

You must set the steering wheel during the alignment, as Fritz mentions. And the alignment should be even on both sides, camber/toe/caster. I suspect they have the front wheels as positive we they can get. I am running a little low now due to sagging springs and I was at .5 and .8 negative camber when both wheels were full positive. The shop set both the .8 to make them even. I am sacraficing tire wear now, but have very even handling. I also suggest a change in alignment shop.

The negative camber in the rear will effect the handling since the tire contact patch is in a different position. For street driving, it will be less noticable, but as coolnsx mentions, you will see some wear issues.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[wilsonp]

Thanks for the info.

Pete,

What are you using for springs?? I ask since your rear negative camber sounds high for Bilsteins on the lower setting which should lower the car 7/8". Are you by chance running with Eibachs too?? That would bring it down almost 2" which would make more sense for that amount of negative camber.


I am using stock springs - I think I am about 1" down since my front is 4.5" off the ground, and it was about 5.5" before.


You must set the steering wheel during the alignment, as Fritz mentions. And the alignment should be even on both sides, camber/toe/caster.

I had it aligned with me in the car, and I held the steering wheel while he did the front. It was straight then, but I now I wonder if the wheel was centered with the tires/suspension a little off.

I also suggest a change in alignment shop.

I don't have the luxury of a lot of choices, so I'm trying to work with this guy while he has the patience to redo my car.


The negative camber in the rear will effect the handling since the tire contact patch is in a different position. For street driving, it will be less noticable, but as coolnsx mentions, you will see some wear issues.

HTH,
LarryB

Well, I decided to run 5mm toe in the rear (split the 91/93 difference), so I'm pushing rear wear anyway. Since I'm switching to all season tires in the winter, two sets of rears a year (one Yoko, one Michelin all season) doesn't seem too bad to me.

I'm taking it back in the morning, so I'll see how he feels about less rear camber but I assume that means he has to adjust everything again and the rest is very good. (Except maybe caster is low - 5.7.)