Alignment Problems 1991 Reatta

[padgett]

Look for a long recent thread on my rear wheel camber issues. (Titled "Rear Wheel Camber")<P>Bottom line is that my rear wheels were both in excess of 2 degrees negative and though I do not like this particular answer was able to get down to 1-1.25 degrees negative with the use of bearing hub shims from NAPA. <P>After correcting the problem, you can try reversing the tires on the rims so that the outside edge bcomes the inside.<P>Was the toe correct ? That will do more to wear tires than camber particularly since you do not seem to be very far out (now that I look the only rear camber spec I can find is for my Bonneville (similar) which is -.3 deg +/- .5 deg or +.2 to -.8). So when they say you are a degree out, from where ?<P>BTW am curious now: has ANYONE ever had an alignment that showed the rear wheels less than one degree negative ?

[Guest jim_houston]

Hello Gang,<BR>I took my 1991 Reatta into Goodyear last Monday for an alignment, rotation, and balance. My alignment seemed fine, I did it because it's been a year since the last one - along with new 70,000 mile tires...the expensive ones just because I LOVE THE CAR!<BR>Anyway, to my horror, the alignment specialist pointed out to me that my rear wheels were out of camber...one was .6 out, the other 1 degree out. The relatively new tires on the rear of my car might as well be shot. There is no way to adjust the camber on the rear wheels short of a frame adjustment I was told. My new tires are wearing noticeably in the inside edge. I'm about as disgusted with this as I can be.<BR>Any help? What do I need to do - have my frame bent so that the camber on the rear wheels is correct? <BR>Thanks for your indulgence!<BR>Jim Houston<BR>Charleston, SC

[Guest jim_houston]

Thanks for the response!<BR>I did ask the Goodyear mechanic if I could swap the tire to make the worn area go to the other side of the rim, but he told me that with steel belted tires that wouldn't help. He told me the tire will wear the way it started regardless of whether I do that.<BR>So, I did check on that....<BR>I guess I'm not that far off with a 1 degree on one side and .6 on the other. The toe and everything else was fine. Good in fact.<BR>As I said, my car drove straight as an arrow. Still does. The only reason I did it was because I paid a lot of money for the tires, I felt it was good to do it...that's why I was horrified when I saw what I did.<BR>I guess I'll just have to get the shims or live with it. My Reatta is my daily driver though, and I've been seriously considering getting a small truck and letting the Reatta sit most of the time now - just drive it as a special car. I still love the car, and I still hold firm that they will become collectors cars in 5 to 10 years. I just can't give it up... I may get disgusted from time to time, but I love this car!<BR>Thanks,<BR>Jim Houston<BR>Charleston, SC

[padgett]

"I did ask the Goodyear mechanic if I could swap the tire to make the worn area go to the other side of the rim, but he told me that with steel belted tires that wouldn't help. "<P>Run that by me again please. We are talking about removing the tire from the rim & putting back on so the inside becomes the outside are we not ?

[Guest]

Jim,<BR>I could be wrong on this,but I think you have to have a full tank of gas,when you go have a alinement,also dont't know if it would make a differance.