Lowered car = Wheel Alignment
11-28-2008, 03:23 PM
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So I got my ride lowered on H&Rs about a month ago, but since then the #1 question I've had since lowering it is "Did you get a wheel alignment too?"
Is this absolutely necessary? The car rides straight and doesnt veer to the left or right... but i've been told that if the wheel alignment is NOT preformed that I may face adnormal tire wear? Can someone confirm this? Otherwise ill have to get this done asap.
Is this absolutely necessary? The car rides straight and doesnt veer to the left or right... but i've been told that if the wheel alignment is NOT preformed that I may face adnormal tire wear? Can someone confirm this? Otherwise ill have to get this done asap.
11-28-2008, 04:02 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Alpine White 550i Sport, Cream Beige Interior, 6-Sp Manual - retired 9/2011
Yes, you need an alignment. Dropping the car throws off the camber most of all....the tilt to the inside (top leans in more than bottom) aka negative camber, tends to be increased beyond spec (more negative). Your inner part of the tires, esp. the rear ones, will wear much faster than normal.
Your car may track straight now, but you wouldn't be able to feel the camber being off. Certain other specs will also be off, like caster, which they won't be able to correct....since it's set at the factory. You need to be most concerned with camber and toe components after a drop.
If your mechanic cannot get the front end back into spec, he should remove some camber pins at the top of the front struts. Once he does that, he should be able to get all 4 wheels back into spec with respect to the the camber and toe.
Your car may track straight now, but you wouldn't be able to feel the camber being off. Certain other specs will also be off, like caster, which they won't be able to correct....since it's set at the factory. You need to be most concerned with camber and toe components after a drop.
If your mechanic cannot get the front end back into spec, he should remove some camber pins at the top of the front struts. Once he does that, he should be able to get all 4 wheels back into spec with respect to the the camber and toe.
11-28-2008, 04:28 PM
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My Ride: 2006 530i Alpine White on Black interior, Sport and Premium Package, Steptronic, Navigation, Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Mtec V2.1 angel eyes,Hoen Fog Lights, Full M-Tech kit, ACS pedals, LED plate lights, CF Steering Wheel badge, CF Titanium trim, OE
Originally Posted by ENstig8or' post='733834' date='Nov 28 2008, 04:27 PM
Everything I've read in these forums says that you need to get an alignment.
11-28-2008, 05:26 PM
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My Ride: 2009 Alpine White e92 M3
Originally Posted by DrLev99' post='733844' date='Nov 28 2008, 08:02 PM
Yes, you need an alignment. Dropping the car throws off the camber most of all....the tilt to the inside (top leans in more than bottom) aka negative camber, tends to be increased beyond spec (more negative). Your inner part of the tires, esp. the rear ones, will wear much faster than normal.
Your car may track straight now, but you wouldn't be able to feel the camber being off. Certain other specs will also be off, like caster, which they won't be able to correct....since it's set at the factory. You need to be most concerned with camber and toe components after a drop.
If your mechanic cannot get the front end back into spec, he should remove some camber pins at the top of the front struts. Once he does that, he should be able to get all 4 wheels back into spec with respect to the the camber and toe.
Your car may track straight now, but you wouldn't be able to feel the camber being off. Certain other specs will also be off, like caster, which they won't be able to correct....since it's set at the factory. You need to be most concerned with camber and toe components after a drop.
If your mechanic cannot get the front end back into spec, he should remove some camber pins at the top of the front struts. Once he does that, he should be able to get all 4 wheels back into spec with respect to the the camber and toe.
11-28-2008, 05:26 PM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
You sure do. I had both of my E60's lowered and both times I had an alignment done. It's a must!
11-28-2008, 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by radz550i' post='734001' date='Nov 29 2008, 02:22 AM
where's the best place and best price to do it John?
