Alignment keeps changing, any ideas?
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From: N. Ca
Originally posted by jguerdat
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.
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.
in any case the toe is adjusted by links, which are connected to the steering rack. if the link is not fastened properly (or damaged at the point of fastening), that would cause toe variations.
i'm guessing mas, you have the list of all the parts replaced (it would be in the repair order or insurance paperwork). if not, get that list and determine exactly what was replaced. if for example the toe links where not replaced, that could be the issue.
good luck,
bassem
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bassem
[B]
i'm guessing mas, you have the list of all the parts replaced (it would be in the repair order or insurance paperwork). if not, get that list and determine exactly what was replaced. if for example the toe links where not replaced, that could be the issue.
[B]
i'm guessing mas, you have the list of all the parts replaced (it would be in the repair order or insurance paperwork). if not, get that list and determine exactly what was replaced. if for example the toe links where not replaced, that could be the issue.
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Update:
After a dozen or so attempts by the Honda Auto Body and help from American Honda Tech, the problem is still not solved. They have replaced every suspension part they suspected was responsible for this including all tie rods. Nothing made a difference. They set the car to factory specs (not just within range) and a day or two later it goes completely out of range.
gernby: They even tried the paint trick you mentioned (it was actually suggested to them by honda tech before I brought it up).
None of the paint cracked and the alignment still went out. When I say out, I mean REALLY out - from dead on factory specs to completely out of the specified range.
The body shop has given up on this issue and at this point I'm asking the insurance co to declare the car a totall loss. If they do not, I'd be seeking legal help. This (over a year long) nightmare need to end now.
Thanks for all the suggestions & help!
After a dozen or so attempts by the Honda Auto Body and help from American Honda Tech, the problem is still not solved. They have replaced every suspension part they suspected was responsible for this including all tie rods. Nothing made a difference. They set the car to factory specs (not just within range) and a day or two later it goes completely out of range.
gernby: They even tried the paint trick you mentioned (it was actually suggested to them by honda tech before I brought it up).
None of the paint cracked and the alignment still went out. When I say out, I mean REALLY out - from dead on factory specs to completely out of the specified range.
The body shop has given up on this issue and at this point I'm asking the insurance co to declare the car a totall loss. If they do not, I'd be seeking legal help. This (over a year long) nightmare need to end now.
Thanks for all the suggestions & help!
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Look at the current readings:
Front Left:
Camber: -0.7 deg
Caster: 6.0 deg
Toe: -0.11 deg -------> !
Front Right:
Camber: -0.2 deg -------> !
Caster: 5.8 deg
Toe: 0.19 deg --------> !!!!!
Rear Left:
Camber: -1.7 deg
Toe: 0.28 deg
Rear Right:
Camber: -1.5 deg
Toe: 0.18 deg
Even the readings that look somewhat in range are different from what they were set to. Every time the car was aligned to EXACT factory specs.
The alignment normally changes within 100-200 miles of regular street driving at 30-40MPH of speeds.
Front Left:
Camber: -0.7 deg
Caster: 6.0 deg
Toe: -0.11 deg -------> !
Front Right:
Camber: -0.2 deg -------> !
Caster: 5.8 deg
Toe: 0.19 deg --------> !!!!!
Rear Left:
Camber: -1.7 deg
Toe: 0.28 deg
Rear Right:
Camber: -1.5 deg
Toe: 0.18 deg
Even the readings that look somewhat in range are different from what they were set to. Every time the car was aligned to EXACT factory specs.
The alignment normally changes within 100-200 miles of regular street driving at 30-40MPH of speeds.
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The change in camber is definitely a concern, but the front toe looks like the guy just had the steering wheel turned a little. The total toe on the front is only .08 degrees. When you drive in a straight line, is your steering wheel centered? Does your steering wheel centering change over time?
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I read back over the thread again, and I see that they made sure everything was tight, but what is "everything". Did they check the torque on all the subframe bolts, dampers, ball joints, upper / lower A-arm bolts, etc.
If I were you, I would put the car on jack stands and check every nut and bolt you can find.
If I were you, I would put the car on jack stands and check every nut and bolt you can find.
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gernby: The insurance co has already spent over $24,000 to fix this car. Trust me, they have tried their best to make this problem go away. There is really no way for me to verify what they did or not but I can tell you they (three different body shops + 2 other alignments shops) have tried their best since it sucks for the insurance co to have to buy back a car they spent so much to fix.
At least I know they put the paint on every possible joint/bolt/etc that can move and none of it cracked. I really doubt any more diagnostics would help at this point. If there was any hope the insuranco co would definitely give it another try. All this work was being supervised (in person) by one of their appraiser (who also happen to be a former Honda auto body shop manager).
At least I know they put the paint on every possible joint/bolt/etc that can move and none of it cracked. I really doubt any more diagnostics would help at this point. If there was any hope the insuranco co would definitely give it another try. All this work was being supervised (in person) by one of their appraiser (who also happen to be a former Honda auto body shop manager).
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From: Rochester, NY
Could it be due to body flex (e.g. the shock towers)? I don't know if there's an easy way to monitor this but maybe a strut tower brace could be useful, at least as a diagnostic tool...