front end question

[divace73]

most modern young wiper snapper alignment person wouldn't even know what to do when it comes to our cars, they wouldn't have the shims for caster and camber. Setting the caster correctly can make a massive difference on how the car behaves. Originally when I got my can back for a front end job the guy didn't have any caster. The wheel was easy to turn but it use to tram line very badly, ruts in the road left by heavy tucks would severely affect the way it drove. I swapped the shims as mentioned above (2 from the front to put on the rear and made a world of different. Steering is slightly heavier but at least it drives straight.
Always do the wheel alignment last after adjusting caster and camber. If you change caster/camber setup and don't do an alignment cause you just had one done, you will wear the tyres out, ask me how I know

If you have enough shims in you car and the alignment place has one of those laser setups, just explain to them what to do to get your desired result

[toml]

David,
this is exactly what has happened to my car. The wheel was harder to turn but it drove straight. Now I can turn it with one finger. I would end up in a ditch though.
The mechanic had my car for weeks. He must have been lost on how to make it aligned correctly.
Thanks for your help!

[divace73]

here is a site that explained caster and camber http://yospeed.com/wheel-alignment-expl ... aster-toe/

[toml]

Very helpful,
Thanks David.

[majicwrench]

Obviously, if it drove straight when you took it in, and now does not, shop goofed something up. Everyone makes mistakes, but really unacceptable to return a car with it pulling like mad. Did you give shop a chance to make it right?? Talk to the owner??
Best of luck

[DanD]

If the guy who put the A arms on reversed sides on them, it would totally screw things up.

So where do you live, so we can figure out where to send you for help ?

[wetminkey]

Google can be your friend, but the Fiat 124 shop manual is best!



I hope this helps.
Todd.

[81SPIDERMATT]

interesting that that manual says upper control arm for caster adjustment

[toml]

I live in Morris county nj close to Union county. Anyone know a good mechanic in the area?
Thanks for the help.

[divace73]

interesting that that manual says upper control arm for caster adjustment

I noticed that as well, there is no way of adjusting the upper???

[76was124]

I had the same problem....a strong pull after control arm replacements and an alignment at a big box family tire store.

I had had a neighbor's son (while at an auto-tech school) replace the control arms while under the instructor's watchful eye.

The big box store said the alignment was all in spec. When I picked it up,I could make a hands free right turn. I took it back to a different location of the same big box (as I didn't trust the guys at the first location) and had the manager looked at it. He used shims, and now it's aligned properly. Alignment was $58.

[Exit98]

toml,

There are a bunch of us around central NJ. Take a look here: http://www.njfiats.org

We meet in Bordentown once a month or so for breakfast.

The shop that did my front end the first time totally botched it up. I ended up doing it all over again. Once I got that straightened out and put on new tires I had the front end aligned at a local Midas shop. They had the specs in their computer. Around $85 bucks I think. George (NJFiat81) then had his done there too.

Take a look at this link for more information about alignment:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27222

There are plenty of other threads too. The search feature on the forum works pretty good, and there hasn’t been a subject that hasn’t been discussed many times before.

Search “13 inch tires” for example and you’ll be reading for days. Your 165 70 13’s are what came on the car new but many of us that have stayed with 13” wheels find 185 70 13’s a better choice. Everyone else has gone to 14 and 15 inch wheels. Everybody’s got an opinion.

I’ve got an Excel spreadsheet of the before and after results of my alignment around somewhere. If you want a copy PM me. If you don’t get your front end squared away soon you eat up your new tires. Ask me how I know.

Hope to see you and your Spider at one of our breakfasts soon.

[toml]

I have my car at another shop in Clark nj. I will let all know how things are going.
The people in this forum are the best! Everyone is extremely helpful.
Thanks
Tom

[toml]

I got my car back yesterday and all is well. The mechanic there said the alignment was way off.
The first shop clearly had no idea how to align my car.
I should have brought the car to this guy in the first place but live and learn.
Thanks Everyone.

[81SPIDERMATT]

YEAH