Alignment problem - camber.

[Kianbeng]

Hi everyone!

 

Yesterday I went for my alignment (at a new cheapo shop). After a while, the mechanic told me that my front tyres had a camber L +1.00 and R +0.50 degrees. He said he wanted to adjust it to perfect, but my camber nut is fixed one. Not adjustable ones. Therefore, he suggested that he change it to those adjustable ones for $30 each. (I needed 4, $120)

 

I turned down the offer citing that I will send it to my agent for warranty repairs (within 3 years still, but now 45K liao. Don't know if still can) The mechanice then told me that for such repairs, it's not under warranty....

 

Infact, with my own eyes, I could see my tyres bending inwards too. they look like this shape -> / (frontal view of tyres)

 

My question is:

1) Could the design of my Mazda 323 be like this originally? (front tyres camber are designed to be bent inwards.

 

2) Would it be alright for me to modify the camber nut to those adjustable ones? So that I can adjust it to perfectly straight?

 

3) Another thing is: Strangely, 2 weeks ago, I changed my 4 tyres. From what I see, the tyres' worn pattern seems very even and distributed. (reasonable mah) I think, for alignment to go off, it can be within a few days right? Coz I've been taking care of my car (more or less lah ) what could be wrong? Or nothings' wrong?

 

4) Or was that guy trying to pull a fast one on me? But...but...but...I can see my tyres slanted leh.....

 

Anyway, my plan is to call the Mazda agent on monday and see what advise they can give me too. But right now, I'm quite worried... Coz I don't want to waste my new tyres... Although they are Kumho, but they are great man!

 

Please advise, thanks.

Edited September 7, 2003 by Kianbeng

[Liang]

I am no expert but I think unlikely to have problems at 45K, esp since you said you take care of your car and your old tire wear is OK. Some tires/suspension setup have a bit of camber. So it is not always straighter better. Better car alignment places have this computer thing that they key in your car make/model/year and the computer knows the correct from-the-factory camber/etc settings to adjust to. Anyway, is the / you see when the car is hoisted up or with weight on wheels? May not be accurate to see with no weight on wheels.

I suggest see agent or a more reputable wheel alignment shop (do a search in the resources folder). Just my 2cents.

[Kianbeng]

Hmm.....my car wasn't hoisted up. It was just driven onto the alignment platform (or whatever that was.)

 

Ya, maybe have to check with either Mazda or their tyre shop - Stamford tyre. hehee

[Fyrestomp]

it could be they were trying to pull a fast one on u. 45k, shouldnt have any problems..

[Cloverleaf]

what does he mean by adjust it to perfect?

check what is your car's recommended camber setting, with agent or owner's manual.

 

0.5 degree different between left and right camber is not a big deal. but with +ve camber the handling would suck big time in corners. i would much prefer to run at zero or a slight -ve camber.

 

what kind of front suspension set up is your car running? sounds like macpherson strut to me.

 

there are tons of different types of camber adjustment kit out there. it is not a big deal to 'modify' a car's suspension a bit to change alignment, so it is quite normal practise.

[Astralee]

anyway yur car still under warranty mah, juz go back let them check loh..

after the mech change, if the adjustable camber nuts felll off while driving, then tats a big warranty prob man..

[Panda]

Hi Kianbeng,

 

Alignment, as measured, is still largely dependant on the quality and condition of the machine at the end of the day. If the machine is not properly calibrated, right alignment also tell you wrong alignment, wrong alignment also tell you right alignment... Not say Stamford no good... but somehow, if your tyres are showing even wear (nearing the end of the treadlife), isn't that a more conclusive judge?

[Modeldriver]

got that same problem today when I got my car alignment looked at.. but Yap Bros gave me a better deal than quoted for you since I got my rims from them. For my car, main issue is probably when I did my Tein coils the camber got shifted out.

[Kianbeng]

So how much did you pay for them?

 

[Modeldriver]

$100.

[Rev_zone]

Bro, you paid $100 for the 1 set of camber kit for front 2 tyres ?

[Gadgeter]

I got mine replace at RM35 per piece.

[Modeldriver]

Uh... think so.

[Slowpoke]

Slight negative camber will not cause uneven wear, rather excessive toe-in or toe-out will cause your tyre shoulders to wear out more. In fact, a little negative camber in the front wheel will give you a little more grip when cornering.

[Kianbeng]

hmm...

 

Seems to be the case now too. Coz I did check my wheels for unbalanced wear....and as of now (after 10K), it's still very good....