Alignment Question?

[matt621]

If thats the case then the mechanic must have either put the heads on wrong(the heads are the things that goes on the outside of the rim. It must be put on just right or you will get wrong readings) or he or she must have used the wrong specs.

Can anyone explain to me where and how the adjustments are made? I know toe is with the steering rod ends, but I was under there looking for how to change the camber and caster and could see nothing to adjust. Also, what is "S.A."? I see that listed in the alignment specs.

I'm really thinking of just buying the equipment and doing it myself. Longacre sells a caster/camber kit for $219 and toe plates for $60. I've got half a dozen cars, so for me, it might be a good investment and besides, at least this way I know it's right. (assuming I can learn the proper technique to make the adjustments.)

 

[4GIVEN]

S-A is short for steer ahead. And I dont think the stuff you want to buy is good enough for todays car because of the tons of different specs needed. Also the equipment I use is made by HUNTER and it cost about 45k. as far as the other adjustments, with caster, that angle usually thats done with udjustments to your frame to make it correct. Camber is done a couple of ways, 1. Moving the tops of your struts around, and sometimes you have to take out the struts and round out your holes so you can move your struts. 2. Using the two bolts that keeps the bottom of the strut still.

 

[matt621]

S-A is short for steer ahead.

Thanks. What is "steer ahead" and how is it adjusted?

And I dont think the stuff you want to buy is good enough for todays car because of the tons of different specs needed. Also the equipment I use is made by HUNTER and it cost about 45k. as far as the other adjustments, with caster, that angle usually thats done with udjustments to your frame to make it correct.

I don't believe the places I'm going have your type of equipment.

In regards to what I'm looking at longacre is a well regarded company that a lot of racers use. I'm looking at this piece here:
http://www.longacreracing.com/catalog/item.asp?id=1299&catid=5

Camber is done a couple of ways, 1. Moving the tops of your struts around, and sometimes you have to take out the struts and round out your holes so you can move your struts. 2. Using the two bolts that keeps the bottom of the strut still.

Okay, thanks. What about caster on the Protege 5?

 

[4GIVEN]

normally caster is not adjustable. If your caster is messed up then most likely you hit something. But steer ahead means your steering wheel is straight with your wheels. Sounds stupid but some tech will pull your car up on the rack and align your car with the steering wheel not straight. I've dont it a couple of times. Sometime the tech will make the wheels perfectly straight and forget to make it straight with the steering wheel.

 

[low_psi]

On the Proteges only toe is fully adjustable. Front caster/camber can be moved around to 4 positions. Other than that, there is no adjustment.

I use the Longacre toe plates and will be purchasing a camber/caster gauge from either them or Intercomp. Both companies make good products. A nice laser rack like the Hunter is great for a shop, while the Intercomp/Longacre stuff is very affordable for the individual. I can adjust toe within 1/32", which is plenty accurate.

 

[4GIVEN]

Yeah, that sounds very good

 

[Notorious_V.I.C]

Where do you get the TSBs for the MazdaSpeed Protege? Can I get them too, do I have to go to the authrozied dealership?

 

[Puckpimp71]

Ask if you can sit in the car while they're aligning it...

 

[matt621]

UPDATE:

After swapping tires, wheels, etc.. and 3 different places, finally took it to the dealership. $69 later and the car is perfect again. They gave me a really nice print out with all the specs. There are way more specs than just toe, chamber and caster on these cars.

I hate dealerships, but in this case, they solved a problem and could have saved me $150 if I had gone to them first... (note: I did try to go to them 2nd, but they "had no record of my appointment" so I left.) The 2nd time was better.

Just FYI.

 

[Notorious_V.I.C]

UPDATE:

After swapping tires, wheels, etc.. and 3 different places, finally took it to the dealership. $69 later and the car is perfect again. They gave me a really nice print out with all the specs. There are way more specs than just toe, chamber and caster on these cars.

I hate dealerships, but in this case, they solved a problem and could have saved me $150 if I had gone to them first... (note: I did try to go to them 2nd, but they "had no record of my appointment" so I left.) The 2nd time was better.

Just FYI.

So are you saying the dealership would do a better job aligning the car then say Firestone, even if i give them the specs from one of the posts from this thread?