Why alignment is needed after installing springs

ssmoked · 08-15-2013, 12:09 AM

Hope you pros can chime in. Thanks

nogoodname · 08-15-2013, 12:12 AM

It's common sense. When you lower a car, it adds natural camber which affects the toe. Install the springs and wait two weeks to do an alignment.

/Angelo350Z/ · 08-15-2013, 12:55 AM

^^ That's pretty much it OP. You're supposed to wait a few days to let your suspension components settle, but I just get the alignment done right away. In my experience, the difference is negligible.

andbui05 · 08-15-2013, 10:48 AM

You want to get your camber and toe back into acceptable settings to achieve even tire wear. If you don't you'll have to fork out more money to replace worn down tires more often than normal. Also having bad toe settings is dangerous.

I neglected an alignment on my 04 G35 Coupe and it ended up costing me in the long run. My front tires were only wearing down on about 2" of width instead of the whole tire width. I hydroplaned into a concrete barrier at 50mph because I wasn't driving completely on maximum tire width (grip and traction). Repairs were $6000 compared to an $80 alignment. I did come out with a 370Z in the end though =)

Also, if you're lowering your car, you may need to purchase some camber arms. From what I heard on the forums you will only need a rear camber arm when lowering on springs. Coilovers will require both front and rear camber arms. I bought SPC rear camber for mine and did not need toe bolts to get within acceptable alignment specs.

My lesson learned for not buying camber kits and getting an alignment:

olddudesrule · 08-15-2013, 11:18 AM

As already mentioned above. I noticed a distinct handling difference (i.e. car was skiddish as hell!!) at speed after installing the springs prior to the realignment. Car darted slightly left and right slightly, most likely due to the more aggressive camber AND the toe being out of spec. Toe out of spec is scary!

The realignment cost me @ $120 and was well worth it.

P.S. I also added rear adjustable camber arms and toe bolts before getting it realigned. I'm sure that also added to the misalignment.

08-15-2013, 12:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
ssmoked Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 487 Drives: Charger Hellcat Rep Power: 14	Why alignment is needed after installing springs Hope you pros can chime in. Thanks

08-15-2013, 12:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
nogoodname Lifetime Premium Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 22,357 Drives: E46 M3 Rep Power: 1765	It's common sense. When you lower a car, it adds natural camber which affects the toe. Install the springs and wait two weeks to do an alignment. Trips, cv129, DEpointfive0 and 1 others like this.

08-15-2013, 12:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
/Angelo350Z/ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Germany Posts: 2,230 Drives: Z34 \| MK7 \| F82 Rep Power: 3660	^^ That's pretty much it OP. You're supposed to wait a few days to let your suspension components settle, but I just get the alignment done right away. In my experience, the difference is negligible. __________________ 2013 MB NISSAN 370Z SPORT

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08-15-2013, 11:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
olddudesrule Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 252 Drives: 2012 Nismo Rep Power: 12	As already mentioned above. I noticed a distinct handling difference (i.e. car was skiddish as hell!!) at speed after installing the springs prior to the realignment. Car darted slightly left and right slightly, most likely due to the more aggressive camber AND the toe being out of spec. Toe out of spec is scary! The realignment cost me @ $120 and was well worth it. P.S. I also added rear adjustable camber arms and toe bolts before getting it realigned. I'm sure that also added to the misalignment.