Rear alignment question

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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redlava
Posts: 2042
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 9:46 am

Rear alignment question

Post by redlava »

I had my car aligned when I had my tires changed and Sears said that Pontiac does not specify a rear camber and toe adjustment or a front caster adjustment. Is Sears full of crap or is correct? And does anybody know what the proper alignment is supposed to be?Here is the alignment sheet that I got from Sears.

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CAN-AWD-VIBE
Posts: 636
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:31 am

Re: Rear alignment question (redlava)

Post by CAN-AWD-VIBE »

i dont think there is adjustment in the rear of the 2wd... but the AWD does->

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CAN-AWD-VIBE03 Neptune AWDInjen CAI, Hotchkis springs, custom magnaflow exhaust w/4" tip, tint, window deflectors, stubby antenna, 3pc Mr. Grille, foglight conversion mod, Grafxwerks front & steering wheels overlays, Injen oil cap, strut tower brace, P225/45R17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, 17" ADR Sokudos
djb383
Posts: 1571
Joined: Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:41 am
Location: The Republic of TEXAS

Re: Rear alignment question (redlava)

Post by djb383 »

I may be wrong but it appears that left front caster and left rear toe are still not within spec.
'05 Lava Tutone base, Pwr Grp, Moon & Tunes, 16" alloys, Auto.....Yep, it's gotta HEMI
redlava
Posts: 2042
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 9:46 am

Re: Rear alignment question (djb383)

Post by redlava »

I have to take it back in tomorrow because I had them fix the steering wheel alignment because it was turned slightly to the left and it pulled to the left as well. Unfortunately it is now cocked to the right twice as bad as it was when it was to the left.
Mavrik
Posts: 8072
Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 6:41 am

Re: Rear alignment question (redlava)

Post by Mavrik »

The rear is non-adjustable without the use of a camber kit.some machines might not be able to put up those readingsHowever the machine we use here at my work does. It allowed us to adjust my Vibe's rear camber with kits and set the front up sweet for autocross.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
CUV03
Posts: 40
Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2006 3:48 am

Re: Rear alignment question (Mavrik)

Post by CUV03 »

Can one do an alignment without some type of machine?
Raven
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Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2003 10:58 am
Location: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec

Re: Rear alignment question (CUV03)

Post by Raven »

It can be done, I read an article in a tuner car magazine about it. It is super complicated to set up and takes about 3 hours. At my hourly rate that means bring it to a shop. They seemed to say in the article that doing it a home is good for people who want a special set-up or want to tinker until the alignment is 100% which is far better than most shops are willing to do.
Mavrik
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Joined: Sat Jan 03, 2004 6:41 am

Re: Rear alignment question (Sunny)

Post by Mavrik »

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »It can be done, I read an article in a tuner car magazine about it. It is super complicated to set up and takes about 3 hours. At my hourly rate that means bring it to a shop. They seemed to say in the article that doing it a home is good for people who want a special set-up or want to tinker until the alignment is 100% which is far better than most shops are willing to do.only to be attempted by those with proper tools and know how.
2007 stage 2 Satin White Pearl Subaru STi 2008 stage 2 Subaru STi hatch See my car at: Mavrik's car page
2002sportside
Posts: 301
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2005 9:50 am

Re: Rear alignment question (Mavrik)

Post by 2002sportside »

They're right, there is no adjustment built in for rear caster, toe, camber or front caster or camber. But, as stated, rear toe can be adjusted with a shim kit (as are other specs). I doubt Sears will be able to do it though... you might have to take it to a shop that deals more with alignments. I could be wrong... As for what the alignment specs should be, it's stated right on the sheet they gave you. The ideal settings would be in the middle of the green. Front caster is only off a tenth of a degree from the max spec, you might have to live with that. Caster isn't easily adjusted on the Vibe. It's pretty even side to side too so it should be ok. It may actually help with pulling due to road crown. My sheet would actually look something like yours if I had printed it. I need to get it in for the rear shims...
2005 Moonstone Base Vibe 38k as of October, 2010 (41k as of 7-15-11)Moon & Tunes, power package, automatic, center console power port added
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