2001 Alignment Issues

[DOT3]

The alignment on my 2001 is barely within spec but pulls slightly to the right.

Shop says that they can't adjust anymore so they need to drill out the strut mounting bolt or something to give it more room to adjust.

Anybody heard of this?

[toyomoho]

Was the car in an accident or has it been lowered?

There may be a camber plate for this car which would allow adjustments as the shop is talking about.

[DOT3]

No, the car is in pristine condition with 55k miles.

Tell me more about this camber plate.

Thanks

[Qslim]

Originally Posted by DOT3

The alignment on my 2001 is barely within spec but pulls slightly to the right.

Shop says that they can't adjust anymore so they need to drill out the strut mounting bolt or something to give it more room to adjust.

Anybody heard of this?

Do you have the numbers and tolerances?

If alignment is within spec but you still have a 'slight' pull, the problem is probably with the tires. Drilling holes in the strut tower is not an acceptable solution. Toyota provides plenty of room to adjust alignment geometry with suspension equipment that isn't bent or damaged and tires that are wearing evenly.

Try inspecting the tires for proper inflation and wear first, then rotating to see of the pull changes. Also be mindful of the roads you drive on. Some will send you left, right, or straight ahead depending on the crown.

[keyboardracer]

you might need to check the lower control arm bushing is it pop out or not, because if it is loose it might contribute to your misalignment.

[DOT3]

Keep the comments coming.

The car has not been wrecked and the tires are < 10,000 miles michelin pilots.

[Qslim]

Originally Posted by DOT3

Keep the comments coming.

The car has not been wrecked and the tires are < 10,000 miles michelin pilots.

Tires can make a car pull regardless of mileage (called a 'radial' pull). If the alignment is within spec, it's within spec. Rotate the tires, it'll help you rule out a variable (assuming you don't have directionals).

[aznstylez]

have you or anyone hit the curve or anything with the front tire? put your fingers inbetween the front and the back of the tire. If you can put two fingers in the back of the tire(from sidewall to tire), you should be able to put two fingers in the front of the tire too. If it is not even, than you have a caster problem, I think that is what they call it. If that's the problem, you're gonna have to pull your suspension forward to make it even again. Good luck.

[DOT3]

Took it to the dealer today and they lined it up fine.

The other shop had trouble with the left front camber at -1.4. The dealer centered it at -0.8.

[Eurobob]

radial pull from the tires. Caster is the spec on an alignment that will make the car pull. most cars do not have caster adjustment. check with the shop that looked at the alignment. I say tires are the problem though