So I took my car to get aligned after replacing my struts, and I ran into a bit of a problem. I think that one of my rear camber adjusters is damaged. I replaced the bolts on both sides, but on drivers side still won't let me get mor than -.3 degrees of camber. I double checked and all the hardware is ok, but it looks like the camber plate that attaches to the rear subframe is damaged. Does anyone have experience with this issue? Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Muha

likeaboss via HTC Vivid

 

Did somebody try to lift your car at the wrong points? Or did you get out of the driveway wrong by bouncing off the curb?

 

I know that if the car was in an accident, or was hit on that side, or it hit something, whatever, it could cause control arms, and other components to become bent and misaligned. I know that when I slid off the road in mine (cold tires, and going a little to fast), my right rear control arm got bent, and I just slid down a grass hill. I don't know if this is the case, but could be a possibility. Has the car ever been in an accident?

Mike

 

Yes I did get into an accident when I first got the car, but all damaged components were replaced, but I guess the bracket that the camber bold sits in was damaged too, and that was not repaired.

likeaboss via HTC Vivid

 

Just a little update, I'm at Honda now and I'm going to pay them to verify the issue before I continue replacing parts needlessly.

likeaboss via HTC Vivid

 

Quick update:
Subframe is damaged and need to be replace.

likeaboss via HTC Vivid

 

I have had this and I was told it was due to a previous alignment being done badly whereby the mechanic has not slackened off the nut on the alignment bolt before adjusting the bolt. So when he adjusted the camber by rotating the bolt, he had really wrenched it forcing the the camber washer to rotate over and flatten those ears on that camber plate. My Honda dealer sorted it by gently heating them with a blow torch and easing/bending them back into an upright position which has worked. I had pictures of what they looked when new so they worked from them.

If you check the UK forum there is a business called DMS who powdercoated a subframe and added weld behind those "ears" to reduce the chance they will get flattened, accidentally or otherwise. If you get it sorted, that might not be a bad addition and one I have yet to do myself.

A new subframe and fitting it is serious $$$$

Good luck.

 

on point there.
if the adjusters are not completely loosened and you go to adjust the adjuster, it WILL break the ears right off.
i dont know if its just because honda made them too weak, but it is a known issue amongst us mechanics.
being that most of our s's are getting older, and the adjusters are all becoming frozen, it is important to free them up
before wrenching the crap out of em.
i have actually had to weld on new tabs for someone instead of replacing the whole subframe...
something to think about...

 

U can always grind down the guide and weld on a new piece of key stock. I did this on my BMW x5 which is well over two tons and did the job just fine.