|
Had my front suspension bushings, shocks, strut mounts and steering rack replaced recently by my mechanic, who installed all the bits (new IPD bushings; Bilstein HDs; IPD strut mounts; rebuilt rack) and then sent it out for an alignment. Things are very much improved, but the alignment isn't right. It tracks left on the highway and pulls slightly to the left sometimes when braking. I'm fairly certain the alignment issue existed before the upgrades, though I don't think it was as bad as at present.
Have taken it back to the alignment shop twice. The best reason they can offer (in a dog-ate-their-homework kinda way) is that they can't get the camber properly set up (they've installed one of the strut mounts back-to-front because they claimed it gets them closer to the correct camber setting), and that: a) you can't adjust the camber in the 700 series; b) it's an old car and that's as good as it's gonna get so apparently I should get over it. They didn't actually seem interested in doing a better job, even when I suggested that I'd be willing to spend for it. An underwhelming consumer moment, all in all.
I've read the alignment/camber info here in the FAQ, as well as the suggested camber hacks. I'm not sure I want to go the 'hack' route if it isn't crazy expensive to do it the 'legit' way.
So, what would the 'legit' way likely entail? What parts are likely to have failed/be damaged that I should consider replacing and that would cause the camber to be incorrect? What should I know before I approach a new alignment shop? I've noticed a few dissatisfied users of the IPD strut mounts - are these likely to be part of the problem? Is there a likely mistake that got made when the new suspension bits were installed? I know the history of the car, no crashes, no habitual driving into curbs, so I don't think it's a bent frame or anything too drastic.
any ideas would be appreciated. thanks,
Bruce
'89 745 Turbo, 265,000km, IPD swaybars
|