Monday, May 11, 2009 - 08:12 pm, by: Chris Round(Hermie)
Hi everyone.
I am after some advice and some estimations on costs, not flaming - as I know there is an issue.
I got new rear tyres late november last year. I was told the alignment was a long way off and it was all fixed up to the best they could do, and the toe required adjustment, but was all straight again.
Now my left rear tyre looks like this
But my right rear looks like this
Should the camber issue be across both tyres? If so, does this mean they really stuffed up the alignment or toe on the left rear?
They are being really good about it, because apparently their policy is to tell customers about issues like this, and they are referring me to a local suspension place to give me discount on the camber adjustment.
But I'm still out a $200 tyre. Pretty serious waste.
So, please no flaming - I know its an issue and I'm getting it fixed. Anyone have estimations on camber kit and fitting? Or recommend another shop to get a quote from?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 07:36 am, by: David Vaughan(Davidv)
Given that the wear is so uneven between the sides, I expect that the LR can be adjusted correctly unless something is crook with the adjustable components (as Matt says).
After adjustment they should be able to tell you exactly what shape it is in anyway.
I am not sure why you expected to get flamed for asking a question after making an explanation of your problem? Les flambés tend to be those who ask questions without providing any information, or act as if some dangerous setup of their car was OK because it looked good.}
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 09:24 am, by: Ben Lipman(Ben12a)
Chris, there is a lot of adjustability in the rear of the Soarer, so you should be able to adjust that to spec. If the car has been in an accident, then that will be a different matter.
The alignment at a decent suspension place should cost less than $100. You issue will be that they won't have the Jzz/Uzz3# specifications on the computer. They should have some of the Aust delivered Lexus stuff on the system which is close. You could just print off the specs from the forum and talk to the operator.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 11:35 am, by: Dave Cazes(Cazman)
^ those specs only work on stock height cars.
Our cars have lots of dynamic camber front and rear. The more you lower it the more camber you gain. Its not linear either, it gets worse the more you lower it.
So if you car is low, everytime you hit a bump you gain lots of camber, even if your static aligment(normal wheel alignment) looks good, as soon as you hit a corner its all out the window.
As for your problem, and only being one side, id say one of your toe bolts cae loose of something along those lines. Unless you have the print out of the original wheelalignment no one can diagnose this.
If they dont give you a print out, your only trusting the aligners word that he did the right thing. Myself, I coulnt do that, I would need proof myself. And in this case, I would ask for a new tyres, or at least half a new tyre.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 07:15 pm, by: Chris Round(Hermie)
Great - thanks guys.
About the flaming - I just didn't want to come on here and get everyone saying "fix your camber you idiot" or "stop doing burnouts" haha. So thats good to see I have a fixable problem.
As for the toe bolts - that is what the tyre place said they adjusted, and they DO have the original printout, which I will be seeing tomorrow. Perhaps they didn't tighten that bolt enough and it has come loose?
It just sparked me off to see so much difference between the two rear tyres. Something is not right there.
They are being good about it, because the guy who did my work in November has since been fired for similar problems - of information not being given and work not being completed properly - so hopefully that is enough ammo to at least get me 50% tyre cost - and I will get the quote for the camber fix, and come back to you guys first before accepting it - just to get your opinions.
Cheers once again.
Peter Nitschke Junk Filterer South Australia UZZ30 UZZ31
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - 08:17 pm, by: Peter Nitschke(Pen)
If the toe-in bolt has been lose, the thread might have been a bit chewed so it will come loose again easily. It's possible to feel it while driving, the back kicks sideways a little on small sharp bumps eg railway crossings.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 06:20 pm, by: Chris Round(Hermie)
Arrrghhhh unbelievable! That is the exact feeling I have had since they worked on my car in November - a slight shift over bumps or railways - this is ridiculous!
Just got back from the place - I have a new LR tyre, charged at full price of $189. They said the RR needs replacing very soon - another $189.
They are doing a full rear wheel alignment again on Saturday at a cost of $60. The guy let me into the work area, and showed me underneath the parts that would have been adjusted - and constantly referred to the "f**kwit that used to work here" which makes me even more angry.
Why am I paying even 1 CENT if they know it was their own staff members fault. I am not very happy at all. I was gutted to hear I need to replace the other tyre two, we just DON'T have this money lying around - another $450 in under 6 months and its completely them at fault.
This will be going further. I can't believe they expect me to pay for it all again.
I will let you guys know what comes of it. Hopefully I calm down enough by Saturday .......
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