[DML] Re: Alignment results..

[tobyp@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Adam - The first time I got Winged1 aligned (at a frame shop, not a 
tire store), I talked to the technician at length about the effect 
that various combinations of numbers have on the car.  You are 
correct in being a little concerned about the caster difference 
between left and right.  A difference of more than 1/2 degree in the 
caster can cause "twitchy" steering, where the slightest movement of 
the wheel results in a complete lane change.  The symptoms get worse 
as the difference gets larger.  My car had an error of about 1/2 
degree, so I considered the "twitchiness" to be "nimble steering".  
Always the optimist!  Most people will tell you that caster is not 
adjustable.  That is not quite true.  The caster can be changed by 
adding shims between the front flat washer on the sway bar / lower 
control arm connection and the forward rubber donut bushing.  This 
pushes the side you put the shims on towards the rear.  The goal is 
to pick the side with the smaller caster, and increase it's value to 
match the other side.  (I believe that I have that right).  A good 
frame shop may be able to estimate the proper thickness of shim to 
achieve the desired readings.  The other option is to make your own 
bushings with different thicknesses for the forward pieces, which 
achieves the same end.  That's what I did - in urethane.  That toe 
value in the rear could be giving you a little of that pull to the 
right.  A positive toe value means that the left rear wheel is 
actually pointed outboard (too many shims) and is trying to steer 
the car towards the right.  Also, the values you show for the front 
toe are positive.  Are you sure about that?  If so, your front 
wheels are pointing outwards a bit, which makes your car indecisive 
as to which direction it wants to go.  I assume they must be 
actually negative.  Aren't these little silver cars cool?  I hope 
this helps ... don't change your rack unless it gets loose and 
sloppy.

My apologies to Jan for not clipping the quote - the values are 
important for reviewing my response.

Toby Peterson  VIN 2248 "Winged1"
DeLorean Parts Northwest, LLC
www.delorean-parts.com


--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Adam 16683" <acprice1@xxxx> wrote:
> My car was just measured for alignment at my local les shwab. The 
> results arent too bad but still bother me a little. 
> 
> Front (all in degrees):
> 
> Left camber: -0.1           Right camber: -0.3
> Left caster: 4.3            Right caster: 2.6  
> Left toe   : .20            Right toe   : .20
> 
> Rear (degrees):
> 
> Left Camber: -1.2           Right camber: -1.0 
> Left toe   : 0.42           Right toe   : -0.07
> 
> So the front Caster is off quite a bit, and the rear Toe. 
> I don't trust Les Shwab to adjust toe on the Rear wheels, so I 
didnt 
> have them do it. And the front toe was good so the car did not 
> receive an alignment. 
> 
> My car has been having some steering troubles recently with 
wandering 
> and a slight pull to the right. I think the caster is causing the 
> pull to the right. 
> 
> Would any of these alignment numbers cause unstable steering and 
> wandering? The tierod ends, ball joints, steering shaft etc are 
all 
> good. I have new tires with less than 10,000 miles on them. I also 
> think the shocks are worn out. If its not the alignment I guess I 
> will replace the rack.
> 
> I just need some opinions!
> 
> thanks,
> Adam Price




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