Rear alignment - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

chuckg32 · 12-09-2010, 06:30 PM

So I have posted the scan of the alignment that was done on my car in the steering recall thread. But I've spoken to two dealerships and got a different answer from both of them. One told me that there is nothing they can do about the rear alignment because the rear axle is all one piece and there is no way to make any adjustments at all. The dealership I bought the vehicle from wants me to bring it in right away (tomorrow morning in fact) so that they can try to resolve the problem.

So which one is full of crap and which one is right? What are they going to mess with to try to make it right? I have already contacted Toyota and started the dispute resolution process but I would rather just have everything fixed and enjoy my new vehicle! Should I let the seller dealership mess with it?

***FlawedLegacy*** · 12-09-2010, 06:35 PM

I have always heard there is no rear adjustment possible

aznsportcar · 12-09-2010, 08:14 PM

camber bolt to adjust camber .. thats what i've heard

Jeff Lange · 12-09-2010, 09:12 PM

The way the vehicle comes from the factory has no adjustment on the rear, at all. Some places will use "alignment shims" to change the angle that the hub sits (shim sits between the hub and the axle beam). This is not a Toyota recommended practice. Toyota's procedure is, if the alignment is out, the axle beam is to be replaced.

That being said, Toyota will only replace an axle beam under warranty if the overall alignment is out. This is the combined alignment of BOTH sides. It can and will make a difference.

Jeff

IWAKE · 12-10-2010, 12:55 AM

why do you think your rear alignment is out? one dealer just wants to get it checked maybe because they want to ensure your car is safe and within spec and that you state there is a problem. the other dealer may not think you have a problem and is just answering your question.

chuckg32 · 12-10-2010, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IWAKE

why do you think your rear alignment is out? one dealer just wants to get it checked maybe because they want to ensure your car is safe and within spec and that you state there is a problem. the other dealer may not think you have a problem and is just answering your question.

Well I know it's out because one dealer already did an alignment and I have a copy of that printout.

IWAKE · 12-10-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckg32

Well I know it's out because one dealer already did an alignment and I have a copy of that printout.

yeah, but how does it drive. alignment is not always a perfect science and the alignment measures could possibly by off. i am still trying to get my head around what exactly is a "wandering" steering on the highway. the corolla's are not as stable at higher highway speeds and were never intended to be. the steering might be a little more "sensitive" and "touchy" at higher speeds but i always felt it was more an issue of suspension and rear roll stiffness. don't forget, there are a lot of old ladies driving corolla's and they have never driven a car that can be driven at higher speeds so easily, so of course, they will find un-smooth inputs at the wheel scary.

chuckg32 · 12-10-2010, 10:12 AM

It drives like crap in and out of turns. It shudders and shakes, and just doesn't handle well. It does travel more or less in a straight line at highway speeds. After the tsb...

Jeff Lange · 12-10-2010, 10:37 AM

If you've got shudders and shakes, that is NOT caused by alignment. Something else is wrong. Your alignment still might be out, just saying, that won't cause this particular issue.

Jeff

chuckg32 · 12-10-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

If you've got shudders and shakes, that is NOT caused by alignment. Something else is wrong. Your alignment still might be out, just saying, that won't cause this particular issue.

Jeff

Good to know. They are checking wheel balancing as well. I'll play it by ear for now and see what they say.