[HL78280Z]

I took my 78 280Z to have an alignment done. The caster and camber on the passenger side were off. The shop was a "brande new" tire store, meaning they used a new 4 wheel alignment machine, not sure if this makes a difference, have read several posts that it might.

The machine read out is as follows: In degrees


Passenger Driver
Camber (-)0.8 Actual (+) 0.3 --- (+)1.8 specified (+)0.5 Actual

Caster (+)4.3 Actual (+)2.1 --- (+)3.4 specified (+)2.9 Actual


I believe my car had damage to the passenger front while with a prev owner. My questions are (1) What can/should I do (2) What are the risks if I do not get fixed. (3) Is this a big problem?

I had the toe adjusted, this made a big deffernce in handeling. I have replaced the ball joints, struts, tie rod ends and added poly bushings.

Any advice/info would be a great help.

Thanks, Howard.

 

[John Coffey]

The figures above are a bit confusing...

Are the final numbers:

LF Camber + 0.3
LF Caster + 2.1

RF Camber + 0.5
RF Caster + 2.9

If so, that's typical for a stock 280Z that has some miles on it. If its a street car, I wouldn't worry about the numbers that much.

- John

 

[HL78280Z]

Sorry

The numbers are very confusing.

The right (passenger side) has the following:

camber (neg) 0.8
caster (pos)4.3

This is the problem side.

This is a hobby car. Only driven 500 miles the last year. The tire on the right side has inside wear due to the camber/caster I think? Thinking about getting new tires . Wondering how bad the front end is out of wack.

Thanks.

 

[John Coffey]

Re: Sorry

OK. Here are the numbers as I understand them:

LF Camber + 0.3
LF Caster + 2.1

RF Camber - 0.8
RF caster + 4.3

You do have a slight problem with caster on the left front. If the alignment guy can get it closer to the right front caster number, do it. Have him try adjusting the tension rod at the frame mount by shimming it forward a little bit with a washer. Also, check the lower control arm bushings.

While he's at it, have him try to get some more negative camber on the left front. Have him loosen the 3 uupper strut mounting bolts, get a helper to push the strut inward as hard as possible, and then retighten the upper mounting bolts.

- John