I'm trying to align a 96 buick century, to adjust camber you have to use the slot in the strut by pushing or pulling to acheive the desired setting.
For the life of me I could not get this car within' specs.
When I'd use jacking compensation I could get one side into specs but then the other would be even more fubered. Vice versa.
Tommorow I'm going to put in some cam bolts, will this work as the car is only out .3-.9 degrees?
Also does anyone have any Idea how to loosen the stut bolts without taking the tire off? I was using a 1/2 stubby flex head ratchet and that worked "OK" but I'm looking for something more effecient.
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To loosen those bolts, get an impact, a wobbly, and a socket for the bolts, see if it will fit in there. It might, I've never aligned one of these cars.
Another way to adjust camber a little more, is to loosen the whole sub-frame, and use a pry bar to shift it to where you need it. Usually works quite well. That might help you get it within spec.
When you put the cam bolts in there, make sure that the holes are slotted, they may not be. That could also be giving you hassle, you can just kind of grind the holes out to make it more oval and that will help alot as well.
How close are you to actually getting it into spec?
1983 Camaro Z28
When you mean make sure the holes are slotted do you mean in the spindle? the strut is slotted already..
I dont remember exactly where I left of but both side were off a little more than a degree
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If the car is stock and you are having severe negative camber issues then I would take a look at the overall ride height. The springs may be sagging and need replacement. Other than that, the cam bolts may do the trick.
cavmania wrote:When you mean make sure the holes are slotted do you mean in the spindle? the strut is slotted already..
I dont remember exactly where I left of but both side were off a little more than a degree
Wow, they are quite far off. Have you already adjusted them as far as you can?
If the struts are already slotted, I believe it should be fine. I'm not really sure if slotting the holes in the spindle would do anything, it MIGHT.. but I would be worried that it might weaken the strength of the spindle. Never actually done or heard of doing anything like slotting the spindle.
Tom could be right, the struts could be allowing the front to sag enough to throw the camber off.. might check them out and see if they are any good.
I'm no alignment professional, I've assisted in quite a few and have a good idea.. I can talk tomorrow to the alignment tech. where I work and get his opinion, if you haven't figured it out by then or if you don't have to pull it out to get another one done.
Are you doing this for where you work, school, or just for yourself?
1983 Camaro Z28
Like said above,you have to do a
cradle alignment.I havent done an alignment in a while,but most of the alignments i did were on bmw's,which are totally different any way.If i remember correctly,arent the bolts on the struts used to make an adjustment?I think there oval shaped bolts,and you turn them to make adjustments(upper or lower bolt,i forget).Maybe someone removed the struts and put the bolt in the wrong hole?Also im sure you already know,but make sure the lift is locked by lowering it till it locks.Ive done a couple of alignments with the lift not locked properly and it wouldnt align for nothing.You would get one side within specs,but when adjust the other side,it messes up the side you just did.Just get it in the green and leave it alone,lol.
Peter
'06 Cobalt ss/sc W/G85 Package
Gm Stage II W/2.79" Pulley
K&N Drop In Filter
Custom Magnaflow Dual Exhaust
16MM TRW Magna Cam Bolts FTW!. Stuck one of those in each side and came out Perfect without having to even adjust the bolts!.
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Yes, make that money
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