I've got a 97' teg and i just got my alignment done (both because i got tanabe super down springs and because i had a little accident with a curb recently). Anyways, my right front now has -1.7 degrees of caster to the left front's 0.4 degrees. How serious is this if at all, it's been suggested that i should get a new right lower control arm to fix the 2.1 degree difference. Any input or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

-1.7 is pretty far out of factory spec. you will definitely notice it in the form of a pull to one side (probably to the Left, thats what mine does) If you are at -1.7 you have bent the control arm at a minimum, hopefully you haven't damaged the subframe. Thats like $400 to replace at a minimum without labor.

I have a similar problem but not nearly so far out of wack. You should definitely change out the lower control arm. I have already done that and i am still at -0.30 on the right side. I am going to try to move the sub frame slightly and get a set of the Z10 radius arms to "pull" the suspension back into proper alignment.

Good Luck!

 

Since caster on Hondas is not adjustable, you definitely have something bent. Probably a LCA. replace it.

 

I'm 95% percent sure and even more so now that the catsre problem is the result of a bent right lower control arm. It pulls to the right but so far that's the only problem i can see. I'm just curious, is not replacing the LCA right away affecting anything else? I mean, if the slight pull to one side is the only drawback i can live with that for awhile, but if i'm damaging the suspension further by not replacing it well then i'll get right on it.

 

maybe wear out wheel bearings...but if you bent the LCA chances are that you already damaged the bearings with whatever you hit to bend the LCA.

Around $200 for the part and an hour of your time should have that solved... Its easy to change out...

 

If your toe is within spec you won't wear out your tires. The pull is just iritating. The condition won't damage anything else but it will affect high speed stability. If you whacked it hard enough to bend the LCA though there might be other damage. You should have a body shop check it out.

Mike

 

Toe is well within spec after getting the alignment done. The caster is the only big problem, well and camber of course but that's just due to the 2 inch drop, i'll get a camber kit down the road to handle that.

It wasn't too bad off an accident, just hit a curb with the right front wheel, less than 20km/h probably. Obviously enough to throw things out of spec.

What should i look for in addition to the LCA when i take a look at it, anything in particular to watch out for?

 

no ideas?