Alignment and the MSP

[MazdaDryvr]

I had my MSP aligned at a local shop and they didnt have the MSP listed on their system so I suggested they use the P5 numbers and it seemed to work. Anyone have any info on this matter? I did it at this shop to avoid driving all the way to the dealer (cheaper too).

 

[bored132]

i aligned mine with 03 specs for a 16' wheel, seemed to worked fine for me. I also lowered my car and its still ok

 

[girth]

It will work without any problems but just FYI, the MSP alignment specs ARE different from any other protege (yes, even the MP3). One difference I know of for sure from the MP3 is there 1 degree more tow in (or something like that).

 

[MazdaDryvr]

Well the shop I took my MSP to called my Mazda dealer for the specs and the dealer told him to use the P5 spec.

 

[Emode]

Hey Everyone,

Here is the Exact TSB:

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02-002/02 MAZDASPEED PROTEGE - TOE-IN SPECIFICATION ADJUSTMENT DURING PDI

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS

All 2003 and 2003.5 MAZDASPEED Protege models

DESCRIPTION

The MAZDASPEED versions of the Protege models requires less toe-in than the settings provided at the factory for both front and rear. At the time of pre-delivery inspection, the total toe-in setting must be reduced to the setting outlined in this bulletin.

NOTE: The purpose of the toe settings below is to provide a slight " total toe-out " condition.

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION

Adjust tire inflation pressures to 32 PSI cold for both front and rear tires.

On the alignment rack, reduce total toe-in to the following specification.

Front total toe-in (-1.0 1.0 mm, -0.04 0.04 in, -06' 6')

Rear total toe-in (-1.0 1.0 mm, -0.04 0.04 in, -06' 6')

Inspect that the following settings are still within specification.

Caster angle (Front: 201' 1)

Kingpin angle (Front: 1259')

Camber angle (Front: -058' 1)

Camber angle (Rear: -048' 1)

Verify adjustment.

PDI CLAIM INFORMATION

The PDI time has been increased for the MAZDASPEED Protege model to include the toe adjust alignment procedure. Do not enter claim for the alignment procedure when performing PDI for this vehicle.
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Regards.

-Shawn

 

[MikeBlueP5]

The MAZDASPEED versions of the Protege models requires less toe-in than the settings provided at the factory for both front and rear. At the time of pre-delivery inspection, the total toe-in setting must be reduced to the setting outlined in this bulletin


That meaning they goofed when they set the setting at the factory, and they want the dealers to correct their **** up during PDI.

 

[vodapas77]

Thanks emode, big help. That's gonna save me a lot of time on Monday when I take mine in to be aligned. Shouldn't make any difference with Teins S-Techs should it?

 

[benimal]

The MAZDASPEED versions of the Protege models requires less toe-in than the settings provided at the factory for both front and rear. At the time of pre-delivery inspection, the total toe-in setting must be reduced to the setting outlined in this bulletin


That meaning they goofed when they set the setting at the factory, and they want the dealers to correct their **** up during PDI.

If I remember correctly, toe-in is how "pidgeon-toed" the front tires are right? If that's correct, would the incorrect settings affect the actual feel while driving?

I, and many others, feel the car pull slightly to one side when driving over straight and flat roads. I took my car back to the dealer in mid-October, about a week after buying it, to complain and they said the alignment was within the specified tolerances. If this TSB was released since then, and affects this feeling of pulling to the left, then I am gonna bring it back to get it fixed.

Thanks.

Ben

 

[CarlM2]

My experience with dealerships is that if they test drive the car and it doesn't turn left or right when they let go of the wheel for 2 seconds, it's within spec, case closed.

Forget the dealer and take it a good shop (with a good reputation) with high-tech alignment equipment and just pay for a really good alignment.

 

[Fatdaddy]

Like MikeBlueP5 said, the dayI bought my MSP, the salesperson told me that they had to re-align the MSP's when they arrived from the factory each time. I didn't know why, but it worried me a little.

Anyway, I haven't had alignment issues (one + for Mazda), but since the day I drove mine home, the steering wheel is kicked slightly to the left when you're going straight. I think I've had read that this is a common issue. It's quite annoying, but it hasn't been enough of a nuisance to worry about going to the dealership. I hate dealing with them.

 

[Leigh]

I've noticed my MSP pulls a little to the left on straights also. I had kind of figured it was a common issue since I noticed it on two of the four I test drove.

If this is a factory mistake & I take it to the dealer (which I'm going to do anyway soon since I've noticed the clunk start to make an appearance) they should be willing to fix it under warranty right?

Also - probably a stupid Q but I'm new on the board, is there somewhere that all the TSBs are posted?

 

[MikeBlueP5]

do a search for themans FAQ i think theres a link to it there, i used to have it but am leaving right now.

 

[KyRaceFan]

Im gonna print that when i go home tonight. I'm probably taking it in for bushings tomorrow, and if they align it too, then its all good
I always thought it pulled to the left, but only at highway speeds. In my neighborhood it drives straight as an arrow.

 

[Tex]

Yeah, thanks for posting Chojin's specs, Emode. I had forgotten where I had seen that info.

I'm going to try a good alignment shop, too, instead of the dealer. I have a steady, constant pull to the left at highway speeds on flat roads. At anything above 80 MPH, it really becomes irritating.

Funny thing is, it used to be steady as a rock and a breeze to drive at 120 MPH. I took it to Premier Mazda in Georgetown to see about a high speed vibration that was starting, and when I got it back it pulled bad to the left. Really bad. I took it back and complained, but they said they couldn't have caused it, and it was just torque steer. The third Mazda dealer I took it to, told me the other two had ****** up the alignment, and did one that almost restored it to new, but not quite.

 

[MSP Pro]

Before you spend money on an alignment, check your tire pressures COLD after the car has sat overnight. Use an accurate tire gauge, like a Longacre with a 2 inch dial and 12 inch hose and air release button ($20 at racing stores). Get all the tires to the SAME pressure, not even 1/4 lb off. This is easy to do with the good gauge mentioned above. NOW go out and drive it and see if it still pulls. Most of the time, you will have fixed the problem. Believe it or not, many alignment shops don't even check the tire pressures before they start!

 

[lancebav]

sice it is a TSB is this under warranty and free to have done by the dealership??

 

[Tex]

Any complaint of the car not performing correctly is under warranty, TSB or not. Whether you can get them to fix it is another story.

And thanks MSP Pro, but I already made sure about the tire pressures being equal. It was the first thing I did.

 

[vodapas77]

Thanks again Emode. Took my Speed into Goodyear today gave them the TSB you put up, they gave me a weird look (like you have no life if you are finding this info. online) but no matter. Those numbers worked great. Still a little pull to the right, but that came around when I put my new wheels and tires on. Other than that though she feels good and a little more precise than it was before.

 

[ottawaP5]

How often do you guys align your cars? I've brought my P5 back twice in one year because its pulling to the right.