Need Alignment help

[SML]

My 2006 Mazda5 has some alignment problems. I had some new tires put on at less Schwab and had the alignment check. I was off on the right front and left rear but they were unable to fix it. I am not great on this and wondered if any of you know what needs to be done and if I can do it and take it back for to get aligned. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[negusm]

My gut says your car was in an accident at some point in its life and that's why they can't correct it and they don't want to deal with it.

Looking at the diagram, and this is totally a guess, but your car was tweaked in an accident that hit the corner and racked the geometry. That's why the corners are off.

 

[SML]

I don't doubt it at all. We have had it a few years, and my kids have used it. Probably not something too be fixed I am guessing. I won't be spending a lot of money on good tires I suppose.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Front:
Lift the front high enough to relieve spring preload, loosen the top 3 mounting bolts and have someone apply pressure pushing in at the BOTTOM of wheel, you retighten. There's enough slack to slightly alter camber. Also, if you installed aftermarket struts (likely for '06), ensure the strut housing is NOT deeply inserted into the knuckle; push it up slightly before tightening the knuckle bolt to gain some height. Other then these options, there's no way to adjust camber/caster on OEM setup. There are no aftermarket adjustable camber plates avail for stock Mz5 strut. I vague recall coming across a shop that offer something custom but it is not financially sensible.

Rear:
You'll need to buy adjustable rear upper control arm (alignment guy/gal will hate you). Search old posts. Nice to also have adjustable rear lower lateral link but not necessary.

Not all alignment shops are equal. The tech may be trained to use the machine but does not indicate they are experienced/knowledgeable with you make/model.

 

[SML]

Front:
Lift the front high enough to relieve spring preload, loosen the top 3 mounting bolts and have someone apply pressure pushing in at the BOTTOM of wheel, you retighten. There's enough slack to slightly alter camber. Also, if you installed aftermarket struts (likely for '06), ensure the strut housing is NOT deeply inserted into the knuckle; push it up slightly before tightening the knuckle bolt to gain some height. Other then these options, there's no way to adjust camber/caster on OEM setup. There are no aftermarket adjustable camber plates avail for stock Mz5 strut. I vague recall coming across a shop that offer something custom but it is not financially sensible.

Rear:
You'll need to buy adjustable rear upper control arm (alignment guy/gal will hate you). Search old posts. Nice to also have adjustable rear lower lateral link but not necessary.

Not all alignment shops are equal. The tech may be trained to use the machine but does not indicate they are experienced/knowledgeable with you make/model.

Thank you so much. I will try this. I did see some or the rear adjustable upper control arms so I will pick one up. I had the car to les Schwab and they do a good job but you're right, I wouldn't expect anything out of the box for them. I remember seeing a local performance suspension place so I will search for them.