what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment?
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From: Apex, NC
what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment?
I'm going to gradually install all of the bushings from the ES set. Which bushings should I stay away from if I don't want to get the car aligned right away?
Obviously the tie rod ends, but what else?
- Justin
Obviously the tie rod ends, but what else?
- Justin
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From: Apex, NC
Re: what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment? (kaiba)
Really? Anything? Even sway bar? It seems like there are some things you could change. What about upper control arm? Doesn't seem like that would affect toe any....
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From: The Hudson
Re: what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment? (JustinHoMi)
Sway bar you can change. Really, anything you touch as far as arms (and especially tie rods) can effect alignment, because you won't be bolting things up perfectly as they were. I think in practice though, you'll probably be okay by changing the control arm bushings. Somebody smack me if I'm wrong here.
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Re: what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment? (AutoXer)
I just removed the front upper and lower control arms, as I have a hard time seeing how it would significantly change my alignment. I'll try to measure the alignment by hand, afterwards, and report back if there was any major change.
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From: La puente, ca, U.S.A.
Re: what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment? (JustinHoMi)
Even if you measure it by hand it's still not going to be the same, however if you count the threads on the tie rods, most likely it'll stay the same and i've personally done it. And good luck with the bushings they are semi hard. The sway bar shouldn't mess up the alignment.
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From: Locash
Re: what suspension parts to avoid messing with to avoid changing alignment? (ed_1)
Just taking it apart and putting it back together is going to affect the alignment. Maybe not that significantly to the point that you need an alignment immediately.
Replacing the bushings will definately affect it. But what you need to do is let the suspension settle into the new bushings before you tighten everything down. After you've reassembled the suspension, before you torque the bolts to spec, roll the car back about a car length and then forward again. Bounce on the bumpers a little bit. Then take a break. When you come back, torque everything down without raising the car up.
This is going to do more for your handling and ride quality besides protecting the alignment angles.
Don't touch the rear compensator arms or the tie rods as you've said.
Replacing the bushings will definately affect it. But what you need to do is let the suspension settle into the new bushings before you tighten everything down. After you've reassembled the suspension, before you torque the bolts to spec, roll the car back about a car length and then forward again. Bounce on the bumpers a little bit. Then take a break. When you come back, torque everything down without raising the car up.
This is going to do more for your handling and ride quality besides protecting the alignment angles.
Don't touch the rear compensator arms or the tie rods as you've said.
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