Ever since my car was fixed after an accident, the alignment keeps changing. You set it to specs and 2 days later it's out again. This is driving me and all the techs crazy. Some of the suspension components & the steering system were replaced during the collision repair. Nothing seems to be loose, though, and they've even tried torquing everything a bit more than specs - doesn't work.

At this point no one has a clue. I'm pretty sure it's not the alignment machine cause I've had it checked at other shops as well and all the readings match. The one thing that changes almost right away is the front right toe. They set it to 0.0 and it changes so much in a day that it goes out of range! The rear wheels also have a similar problem with caster.

The other problem I can feel is with the steering, it seems to have some play, even when the alignment is perfect.

Anyone has any ideas?

 

Maybe ur bushings are worn out.

 

Most likely is that the bushings are causing the problem, though depending on the type of hit the car took, it is possible that the either a tie rod steering rack itself is tweaked and is causing the problem.

 

Thanks guys!

My car had 16,000 miles at the time of accident. They replaced the bushings on the corners that were hit along with other suspension components like control arm, knuctles, etc.... I doubt the bushings are the problem but anything is possible.

I'm not sure what a "tie rod steering rack" is? My suspension knowledge is very limited. I do know they replaced the steering rack.

 

just a thought and not placing blame...but sometimes if the bushings are pressed in incorrectly they get internal fractures...none you can see, but they can provide much wiggle-ability (for lack of a better word) under load.

bassem

 

Bassem: That's quite possible. I still don't understand how that would make the toe on one front wheel go from 0 to way out of range over two days. I mean, once everything is torqued to specs (or even more), how does the alignment go out of specs again? I have not driven on any bad roads or hit potholes/etc.

I always thought that worn bushings cause play in suspension components and that would result is lots of extra shakes & vibrations or feeling of looseness(?). This could result in a "not so fixed" alignment but still it should not be that big of a difference? Then again, what do I know.

 

As one who just had the lower control arm replaced due to the camber bolt being fused to the bushing insert, I can tell you that Honda doesn't sell just the bushings - you have to replace the whole part.

 

You should mark your adjusters with paint or something. If they are moving, you would be able to identify it.

 

Actually, you could put a drop of paint at key spots that may be suspect. I would put a drop on each of the main bolts that hold cross members, tie rod lock nuts, or whatever to see if the paint cracks (like a broken seal).

 

Thanks gernby! That's a great idea, very simple but makes perfect sense!

How come techs at 3 different collision repair/alignment shops could not think about this?

Let's say they find that something has moved, then what? They've already tried extra torque. I have a REALLY BAD feeling about this whole situation, I feel like there's something else wrong with the car that puts extra force on some suspension components and cause them to become loose.