When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I just ordered new upper control arms, $290 shipped. These control arms come with new ball joints and allow a caster adjustment, +/- 1 degree. The camber adjustment will allow +/- 2 degrees.
I also ordered new lower ball joints. $38ea.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400172168661?_trksid=p2060353.m2763.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Lower Ball Joints http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=364&jpid=1 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=364&jpid=2
Ah, I understand what you were referring to now! Actually, I purchased them so I would be able to adjust the castor. The castor was out of alignment specifications and this would be the only way to bring it back.
Ah, I understand what you were referring to now! Actually, I purchased them so I would be able to adjust the castor. The castor was out of alignment specifications and this would be the only way to bring it back.
Caster is not independently adjustable on most modern cars. (Including ours) Do you mean camber?
Yes, I mean castor...the new upper control arms will allow castor adjustment.
OK I'll bite. Why would you want to do that? We have variable assist power steering to take care of this. I would never intentionally change the castor. It may not play nice with the computer assisted power steering.
Because the castor is slightly out of specs. This must have happened with the previous owner, I would suspect he/she hit something with the right front tire, which actually moved the caster spec.
I am going by what the person who performed the alignment told me and showed me. I really trust this guy and IMO, is a really good mechanic. He suggested this brand and model upper control arm.
When I purchased the car, the alignment was a mess, new tires and the alignment made it 90% better, he told me he could make it perfect if I installed these Control arms.
I purchased the parts on my own and I am going to let him install them...
Because the castor is slightly out of specs. This must have happened with the previous owner, I would suspect he/she hit something with the right front tire, which actually moved the castor spec.
I am going by what the person who performed the alignment told me and showed me. I really trust this guy and IMO, is a really good mechanic. He suggested this brand and model upper control arm.
When I purchased the car, the alignment was a mess, new tires and the alignment made it 90% better, he told me he could make it perfect if I installed these Control arms.
I purchased the parts on my own and I am going to let him install them...
Just so you know. I looked up my last two alignments and in both the caster is out of spec. My tires have worn perfectly. I think you are barking up the wrong tree. Caster does not matter on these cars.
Just so you know. I looked up my last two alignments and in both the caster is out of spec. My tires have worn perfectly. I think you are barking up the wrong tree. Caster does not matter on these cars.
Damn, so I wasted $140 because I could have replaced The upper control arms for $150 ish from rockauto...instead I spent $290.
I guess I better chat with you guys first next time before I purchase and then tell you what I have done...
I do know that caster will never cause wear on your tires, it has to do with steering effort at slow and high speed...I have always read where they use a shopping cart as the example.
Here is an easy to read article on alignments, scroll down to caster.
The difference in the caster is the wrong way, the car has a little too much pull to the right, the upper control arms and lower ball joints will be on my door step tomorrow.
Please tell me how to correct the problem another way...you just keep telling me I should not do this but you have not provided anything substantial to change my mind. I need something technical.
The upper control arms you purchased allow for both caster and camber adjustment. Your mechanic should be able to bring everything into spec and that's gotta' be good. I thing you'll enjoy knowing that everything is in the "green" after your next alignment. And, while you're at it, you get new bushings and ball joints to go with it. I think you did good!
Thanks Bon, that is how I saw it, more green on the alignment sheet and several new suspension components cannot be that bad of a deal...I will be glad to eleminate the pull to the right.
I also plan to ask them to adjust the rear camber as close to zero as possible.