99 camry camber restoration...

[klex]

Hello all, I had a major accident in my 99 camry 5 years ago. I was broadsided at the passenger rear quarter panel and I still can't get over when it was repaired the shop did not set the rear passenger wheel to factory specs. The rear passenger wheel sticks in ___ / ___ too much like negative camber, it should be like ___\ ___ positive camber as compared to the driver side rear wheel which sits ___ / ___ as it should. I can tell b/c I pay close attention to detail. Here is a pic maybe you can tell me how to adjust it so that it has its positive camber restored. The car does not drive different but it is very irritating to me although it is something so trivial. All replies on how to fix this will be greatly appreciated!

[ASG14]

Why don't you go get an alignment?

[klex]

I'm not sure if they aligned it after they reapired it but if I do get it aligned will that pull the wheel back to factory camber?

[ASG14]

It;s 1 of 2 things. The wheel is out of alignment, or there is a bent suspension part. Is there a mechanic you trust that you can have take a look at it?

[toyomoho]

There are kits available to adjust camber such as the one below that use special bolts:

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/part..._C_-_Rear/6222

There may be other systems that allow modifying the upper shock mount to allow shifting the top of the strut around.

[wtftoy]

Go to a good alignment shop, it might be expensive but its worth it. Ever since I changed my suspension a month or so ago, and my chamber is fu*ked. Can't align it yet until I can replace the strut mounts. They some crappy ebay brand, so getting them from the dealership this time. Front strut mount is like $75 each, bearing is around $40; that's for one corner...........expensive!

[BMR]

If you can see the camber is in the wrong direction, chances are something's bent. Probably the strut. Camber is, for the most part, not adjustable. There is a little bit of play in the fit of the bolts holding things together, but I'd be surprised if it's enough to give 1 degree of adjustment if it were pushed in one direction. The adjusting bolts that can be purchased typically give a few degrees of adjustability; not enough that you'd be able to see it.

By the way, if the top of the wheel is tilted outwards away from the car, that's positive camber. Here's some negative camber for ya... Link

[klex]

I have no good mechanics I know of I have to search for a good one. I hope it's not a bent suspension part it was expensive to fix after the accident I think they may have cut corners...

[klex]

By the way, if the top of the wheel is tilted outwards away from the car, that's positive camber. Here's some negative camber for ya... Link[/quote]

Thanks for clearing that up.

[Venom_5]

the wheels shouldnt have positive camber ... and an alignment would adjust camber & toe back to OEM specs, so why havent you done that?

[klex]

When I was 16 I got broadsided and my mother paid almost $9,000 to repair it. Insurance fucked me over. I'm 21 now and lately the positive camber has just been annoying the shit out of me but no one else can barely tell that the wheel is like that. After reading what the last few forum members have been telling me, I think i'll just get coilovers and a camber kit some time in the future. The car doesn't drive bad in any way and the tires still wear evenly after all these years. I feel it is a damaged strut that they did not replace but charged us for it and yes the frame was bent. The car does not crabwalk and I can let the steering wheel go at any speed and the car goes straight for at least 500 feet. I have to get a job first... Thanks for all the replies guys I really appreciate it!!

[klex]

It's hard to explain but there is a bent suspension component and I think the strut may be bent also. What would be a better option coilovers, or tokico struts and springs? Also i'll have to go to the junkyard to get a 99+ suspension component( I don'y know what to call it) I'll also get a camber kit after installing the struts or coilovers...

[darksparkz]

Could be any of those parts though, the spindle or hub itself can be somewhat bent, just have a mechanic look at it and diagnose it before choose new struts and springs.

But, as far as strut and springs go, if you are into driving with better handling and don't mind the stiffness, then coilovers are definitely probably the better way to go, over spend about $500 or more in struts/springs anyways.

[klex]

Thanks

[SkinnyConHeo]

I am a noob and still learning about Camry/cars are you guys talking about the rear tires not lining up?