Acura RSX DC5 & Honda Civic EP3 Includes DC5 Integra Type R & 5dr Civic hatchback

alignment problems after installing tein coilovers

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Old Dec 21, 2003 | 10:18 AM
  #1  
fireDC5's Avatar
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From: oak lawn, il, usa
Default alignment problems after installing tein coilovers



I will try to explain the problem best as i can
On monday i tried to install my coilovers myself and i was trying to separate the tie rod end from the stock struts/shocks by using a hammer to hit the bottom. This mishaped the threads so the nut wouldnt go on, so i had to get a new tire rod end but the alignment was off.

On tuesday coming back from my work i turned onto an onramp onto i55 @ like 15 mph and there was some black ice on the road and i slid into the curb front right tire first.

on wednesday i took it to my friends shop and he installed the coilovers and the alignment was very off pushing to the right.

On saturday i took it to get aligned and they said that they couldnt go it because the inner tie rod ran out of thread so the right front wheel toe couldnt be adjusted to zero.

I took it to another shop and they said that the tie rod was maxed out but they thought that the inner tie rod was screwed in too far so they tried to screw it further in. im not too sure if they knew exactly how to do it but it got a bit better, then they adjusted the camber a bit from the top so toe got better but the camber was a bit off.

Also the right back wheel has like -2.1 camber.

Right now my car is pulling very slightly to the right. Is this because of the negative camber in the back or could it be because of something happening like a bent frame when i hit the curb....???

thx

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Old Dec 21, 2003 | 10:26 AM
  #2  
fireant's Avatar
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Default Re: alignment problems after installing tein coilovers (fireDC5)

Its hard to say, but if the front is all even, then the rear toe needs to be adjusted. Ideally, unless you auto-x, front camber of -1 to -1.25 and rear camber of 0 or -.25 would be a good daily setup that lets you take onramps without bing too squirrelly. Try to get your toe zero'd all round, or just a touch out in the front.
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Old Dec 21, 2003 | 10:58 AM
  #3  
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From: los angeles, ca, united states
Default Re: alignment problems after installing tein coilovers (fireDC5)

Sounds like the tie rods are not equally balanced. What you need to do is start all over, since you replaced the tie rod. Both tie rods have to be the equally balanced(when you install it, count the turns)if they are not, obviously one side will have greater toe adjustment than the other.
This is what you need to do;

1) Jack up the car in front and remove the tires and tie rods. Make sure your steering wheel is straight.
2) When you are installing the tie rods back on, count the turns(I did 12 turns each side on my EP) Now, you know both sides are equal and youll have equal toe adjustment.
3)The EP/RSXs run out of toe adjusment at more than -1.4~~of camber, so you have to make sure you give it less than that for your needs(track/street).
4)After thats complete, put the tires back on, look at the tires and eye ball it out to see what tire needs toe adjustment(this still is with the car jacked up) you can either make the adjustments yourself or take it back to the aligment shop.
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Old Jun 6, 2004 | 11:44 AM
  #4  
RSXtypeS's Avatar
 
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From: Cary, NC, USA
Default Re: alignment problems after installing tein coilovers (eg_nezay)

"On monday i tried to install my coilovers myself and i was trying to separate the tie rod end from the stock struts/shocks by using a hammer to hit the bottom. This mishaped the threads so the nut wouldnt go on, so i had to get a new tire rod end but the alignment was off."

I had the same problem when i was trying to get my tie rod ends out...so i bought a dremel and removed the last 3 threads...worked great and saved me money
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Old Jun 6, 2004 | 01:35 PM
  #5  
CHILIBEANZ's Avatar
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From: riceARRville, fl yO, usa
Default

what about using a tierod seperator? they're $4@ discount auto. try the method eg suggested and see if that helps.
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