azkaty

We all know that our tires wear too quickly..has anyone had the camber and caster changed to attempt to correct this?

And if so, who would know what to do, and how to do correctly? I will assume Lexus will not.

Katy

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

First, caster is not adjustable on our cars and it would not effect tire wear anyway. I had mine adjusted to Front: toe +0.05 degrees, camber -0.85 degrees. Back toe +0.15 degrees camber -1.25 degrees. the toe angles are each side, not total toe. I had new tires put on about 10,000 miles ago and they are wearing perfectly. My OEM tires wore badly on the inside edge. I am very pleased with these adjustments. It was done at an independent shop. I can tell you the factory adjustments were not near these values. Much higher camber. My thrust angle was way off also.

sixonemale

iolmaster, I'm in agreement with your assessment. However, if the caster is either to negative or positive, will replacing the upper or lower control arm's (bushings) take care of this problem?

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

First, you should never have negative caster. You would not like it at all if you did. I don't think it is even possible on any car. Changing control arm bushing can change caster, but once again there is no caster adjustment on these vehicles. You change the bushings and align the car and accept the caster. As long as it is within spec you go with what you get. If it is out of spec I would look elsewhere for a problem.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

I had camber adjusted as a "free option" on my 2002 after i mounted my 20" wheels/tires on it at NTB when they did my alignment. I liked the way that stance of the car was a little better after that, HOWEVER they must have over-did it because those tires wore out quicker on the inside than the outside. Be careful Katy!

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Replacing the upper and/or lower control arm bushings may put it back to factory spec if you're stock. If your bushings are shot, you are going to experience tire wear. And yes, caster angle does affect tire wear, but only to a certain degree.

Most people who have tire wear are quick to point out camber as the source of the problem. You don't get crazy camber wear until you've hit maybe -2.5 degrees. The majority of the problem can be alleviated by making sure the toe isn't screwy.

sixonemale

iolmaster, I'm in agreement that the caster should never be negative, but with both front being positive, what should the caster on both wheels be set at from the factory? Or has anyone had an alignment done and care to share their caster settings. Thanks

iolmaster

iTrader: (1)

As I said, the caster is not adjustable on our cars. Most newer cars it is not. Mine was +6.90 right and +7.00 left from the factory. After my last alignment both were +6.85. As you adjust the toe and camber, caster can change but it is not independently adjustable.

sixonemale

iolmaster, Thanks for the information. I fully realize the caster is not adjustable, but wanted to make sure that mine were within tolerance and now that I've reviewed your caster settings, mine are very similar with the right being slightly higher.

azkaty

Thanks for the spirited discussion everyone!

So I will assume that Lexus will probably not do this adjustment for me. I have regular Lexus 18" wheels and new Michelins which I love, and would like to keep like new.

Would a good shop that does 4 wheel alignment be willing to do this?In a perfect world, what should all the proper measurements be on all f0ur wheels

Katy

azkaty

Thanks SC.. where have you been vacationing?! Missed your awesome input
here recently!

Katy

Harold57

Katy,

After I buy a car, I always go to Firestone and buy their lifetime alignment. It is only about $125 to $150 and you can go get your car aligned for free as long as you own it. (I make sure that my car is aligned right after I buy new tires also.) I think that Sears might do that also.

Harold

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Katy-I've been here, just extremely busy with work and summer stuff. Not driving/enjoying Ebony as much as I need to be. A little bored with her!

I'd look at NTB in Scottsdale if you have one close to you. They have a great machine and show you the camber readouts right there in the shop and you can make the call on how far you want to go based on your preferences. They too have a livetime alignment I believe it's similar to what Harold mentioned at Firestone.