I recently purchased a 1997 850R and took it to the shop today for an alignment since it was pulling hard right. I had suspected a problem more than just alignment or radial pull and unfortunately I was correct. I appears that the right front time is stitting farther back in the wheel well than the left front. Before buying the car I had an inspection and ran a carfax, both came up clean except for a few minor items.

At the shop today I found out the the right front caster angle is 1.00 more negative than the left front tire. Ok so next step look for possibility of a wreck or damage on that side. I could not find much of anything that would indicate and major things. Except for all the motor mounts looking brand new and the stablilizer links on both sides, nothing looks like it has been touched. Front spoiler was repainted but from what I can see with over spray it was done on the vehicle. One other note is that the center nut on the strut tower show signs of someone working on it.

As we all know the caster angle on the majority of front wheel drives in not adjustable.

I need some ideas, suggestions and any experience with this problem.

Thanks

Tony Souza

You can crank quite a bit of caster in or out using the two bolts that mount the shock to the spindle. There's quite a bit of play in the holes and you can make more if you need to. Some one (eastern aerospace, IPD??) I forget who at the moment, sells eccentric bolts also. Make sure you have all of the play in those holes taken up in the correct direction. Makes quite a difference.

I agree with Steve. There are at least a few degrees of adjustment available between 2 bolts holding the spindle to the strut. Try adjusting it and and then drive it around for a few weeks. If it stays aligned then good. If it slips back then you can always shim the bolt holes to maintain the correct camber position.

Also, Since you didn't mention what your actual settings were, I would suggest that you check to see if you can get the camber on your other (good?)side to be more negative to match.

Let us know how it turns out.
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Nathan Valles, Black 855R, Tint

The tech who did the alignment can't see anything bent? I'd guess that your strut or strut support tower is bent. If it's a strut, it's easily replaced but if it's the tower, the car will need to go to a body shop (or frame shop) that has equipment to check and straighten body parts.