Alignment Question

[SuperchargedMR2]

I just installed TRD springs this weekend and after driving the car it feels like the alignment is still perfect like it was before I installed the springs. Has everyone always aligned the car after installing springs? None of the suspension parts that were messed with really affect alignment so I was curious what others had done after installing new springs. Some local people said they have never done an alignment after new springs on a 9th or 10th Gen Corolla & they've had no issues. Thanks in advance for any help!

[PhatRoyale]

It's always recommended that you get an alignment after installing new suspension or else you might be for a nasty surprise once your tires are shot in a few months.

[pinoyesv6]

i would at least get the alignment checked. alot of places do free alignment checks.

with my old car, i didn't get an alignment when I first lowered the car and the car ran fine, tire wear was normal etc etc. but after the alignment, the car handled so much better than it did without one. im not saying that this is gonna work in all cases but if you want the most of things, i'd get it at least checked.

[XRSized]

With the drop you get with the TRD springs you may not need the alignment but it's highly recommended for lower drops. I would recommend still getting the alignment done to have a piece of mind that your new tires won't wear uneven.

[gilly83]

i didnt get mine checked but went take off my tires and the frony tires hade ware on the outisde of my tires

[sinnaever]

I got one after I did the Springs... Worth it IMO. Just to be on the safe side. It might feel like it doesn't need one, but i'd get one just for peace of mind

[SuperchargedMR2]

Thanks for the input. I drove around today & everything feels good but I made an appointment to have the alignment checked later this week just to make sure. I've always done an alignment but my previous cars had cam bolts that had to be adjusted.

[Jeff Lange]

Your camber will be out of spec, even if you didn't have to move the camber adjustment bolts. Did you not remove the front struts from the knuckles before removing/installing the springs? Just curious.

Either way, getting an alignment check is a good idea, just to confirm whether or not you need adjustments.

Jeff

[dvfisher]

This TSB might be of interest to you:

T-SB-0020-08 March 25, 2008

Disconnect Battery & Perform Zero Point Calibration

After Wheel Alignment Adjustment

Preliminary Information

Perform this procedure if any of these repairs have been performed on the vehicle:
• Wheel alignment has been adjusted.

• Any chassis components have been removed/installed or replaced

[BLiT]

...Zero Point Calibration?

Also, where is this TSB for? March of 08 seems pretty early for the 10th generations.

[dvfisher]

Originally Posted by BLiT

...Zero Point Calibration?

Also, where is this TSB for? March of 08 seems pretty early for the 10th generations.

It's listed for the 09 Corolla. I'll attempt to post the whole TSB below:

T-SB-0020-08 March 25, 2008

Disconnect Battery & Perform Zero Point Calibration
After Wheel Alignment Adjustment

Service
Category

Brake

Section

Brake Control/Dynamic Control System Market USA

Applicability

YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1998 – 2009 4Runner, Avalon,
Camry, Camry HV,
Corolla, FJ Cruiser,
Highlander, Highlander
HV, Land Cruiser,
Matrix, Prius, RAV4,
Sequoia, Sienna,
Solara, Tacoma,
Tundra

Introduction

The purpose of this TSB is to provide information on when and how to perform the zero point
calibration on vehicles equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Momentarily disconnecting the
battery is a necessary step for performing the zero point calibration.

Warranty Information

OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2

N/A Not Applicable to Warranty – – – –

© 2008 Toyota Motor Sales, USA Page 1 of 2

T-SB-0020-08 March 25, 2008 Page 2 of 2

Disconnect Battery & Perform Zero Point Calibration After Wheel Alignment
Adjustment

Required Tools & Equipment

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER PART NUMBER QTY

TIS techstream*
NOTE: Software version 2.20.015 or later is required.
ADE TSPKG1 1

* Essential SST.

NOTE

• Additional TIS techstream units may be ordered by calling Approved Dealer Equipment (ADE)
at 1-800-368-6787.
• The Toyota Diagnostic Tester and CAN Interface Module may also be used to perform the
service procedures listed in this bulletin.
Preliminary Information

Perform this procedure if any of these repairs have been performed on the vehicle:
• Wheel alignment has been adjusted.
• Any chassis components have been removed/installed or replaced.

Repair Procedure

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative (–) battery terminal for

MORE THAN two (2) seconds.
2. Reconnect the cable to the negative (–) battery terminal.
3. Perform the applicable zero point calibration of the yaw rate sensor and/or the steering
angle sensor.

HINT

Refer to the applicable TSB or Repair Manual for the zero point calibration procedure.

4. Re-initialize all applicable systems available on the vehicle (power window, sunroof, power
lift door, etc.).

© 2008 Toyota Motor Sales, USA

[Jeff Lange]

Zero-Point only needs to be done on cars with VSC, which many 09's didn't have, but many 2010's do.

Jeff

[Bitter]

camber will change from lowering, camber will alter caster which alters SAI.

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

Zero-Point only needs to be done on cars with VSC, which many 09's didn't have, but many 2010's do.

Jeff

I do have VSC on my S. I'll have to print a copy of this to take in to the alignment shop on Thursday.

[SuperchargedMR2]

UPDATE

I had the alignment done today & the toe was off a little bit, not too bad but enough to wear the tires after a while. That mechanic told me that he doesn't do a zero check if the alignment was only off a little. I wasn't sure so I went by the Toyota dealer & the mechanic there said it needs to always be done on cars that have VSC after any alignment so that the computer knows where the center point is for the steering wheel. I'm not clear though as to how it would change if the battery was never disconnected? Any help?? Has everyone else with VSC had this done after an alignment?