alignment problems BIG TIME

[superdad]

Here is my set up.
2001 330i with sport package
eibach pro-kit
19inch M3 replica wheels
235/35-19 nitto 555's

Now here is where things get tricky. I have a constant pull to the right and had the car aligned. I had taken for granted that the place I had taken it to did a good job. Looking at the numbers now I am not so sure. It looks to me like the left side is making the car pull.I am not expert at this but should I look into a camber kit to get this worked out?

Front Camber Left Right
1.42 1.16 -1.1 -0.4 is okay
Back Camber 1.76 1.35 -2.3 -1.8 is okay


Front Toe Left Right
0.06 0.08 0.6 2.3 is okay
Back Toe 0.18 0.09 1.1 2.3 is okay

Thrust angle is set at 0.05 should be at 0.0 ?

Front Castor Left Right
5.05 5.10 5.1 6.1 is okay


Somebody help me out here!
Thanks
Superdad

[mrbanshee]

I am not an expert in alignments but you shouldn't to have to get a camber kit to align the car.
Check to make sure you don't have any bent tie rods or any kind of frontal suspension damage. Some times lowered cars have damage caused by speed bumps, parking curbs or potholes that can easily tweak your front suspension of out wack.
Also, if your car was out alignment for a very long time (3 to 4 months) your tires wore to that type of alignment. So, it may take up to 1500 miles before your tires are wore back to your original alignment.
Also, the thrust angle only has to do with the centerline of the vehicle and the rear toe. So, it doesn't affect the front wheel alignment. This thrust angle usually only matters in off-road vehicles. Is your steering wheel straight or crooked when you drive straight down the road?
I hope this helps. God Bless, Dave.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mrbanshee on 2003-03-24 03:20 ]</font>

[MarvelPhx]

Please clarify which of those 4 numbers are your current specs.

[superdad]

Front camber
Left 1.42 right 1.16
back camber
Left 1.76 right 1.35
Front Toe
Left 0.06 right 0.08
Back Toe
Left 0.18 right 0.09

These are what i currently have now and to me it sucks.I have to turn my steering wheel to have the car go straight. when I let it go it turns the car to the right.
I need input on this, is something bent?

[superdad]

Hey guys I tool my car in and they had It for about 3 days and put in a new steering rack and my car is as good as new. No more vibration OR pulling on the road.So this might be a common cause for the E46 pull problem.They also changed out some other little rubber bushing for the steering wheel and that made a difference too. I have no shake at all now OR pull. I have part number for who ever wants them.

[MarvelPhx]

Your cambers should match as closely as possible unless you drive all day around in a circle...

[fcotanis]

Superdad,

Is there anyway you could scan in your service sheet with what they have done and all and email it to me at fcotanis@yahoo.com.
I'd be in your debt forever if you could do that.

That way I can show it to my service people and maybe get them to do something about it. Mine pulls right, right after the realigned the vehicle AND I have some vibration around neutral that can be felt when I am holding the steering wheel very lightly.

Thanks a lot,
Filip

[fcotanis]

*sigh* - I guess your car is running well superdad so you aren't stopping over here anymore. :(
I could really use your help.
Filip