95 Integra - Ongoing Alignment Problem

Hello Everyone, need some advice....


I've been having this ongoing problem with my alignment since
I got my Integra from my cousin. Yes it was also involved in a front
and rear collision (by her), but I don't see any signs of frame
damage. The inner walls are once again beginning to wear with no wear
on the outside yet. The tires were purchases 6-8 months ago.
About 2 years ago I took the car into an alignment mom and pop
shop and after a year the same results came back. After I brought this
up with them they pretty much blew it off and it wasn't worth my time
settling up in court. I was more pissed off that I caught them as they
did nothing with the tie rod since I had to use acetylene them to get
them to move so that I could adjust them.
Seeing that the tires were worn in the inner walls ie. toe
out, I moved the tie rod in two turns. Well since I noticed the
problem occurring again I tried turning both sides in an additional
two turns which made my tires start to squeak loudly, so I moved them
back.
I've thrown the towel in since I'm not going to get this
fixed. Now I'd like to know where I can take the car to get the
alignment done and get it done right. I'd be willing to get two new
tires as well but I want to be assured that if they don't fix it and
the exact same problem occurs, that they will comp me for the tires. I
know that it is unlikely that anyone would do this so I need to know
what people think I should do at this point.


Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

Look for a frame alignment shop - one of the places that straightens out
bent frames. Ask the local Honda dealer who they use. Whatever is wrong is
most likely one of the "unadjustable" settings has been bent out of spec in
one of the accidents. These places will have the equipment to get it back
into spec. Mom & pop shops (and chain alignment/tire shops for that matter)
usually do not have the equipment to repair these settings except by
replacing parts. Unless it needs major suspension parts replacement, it
probably won't cost much more than a normal alignment.

 

Yeah, YOU don't. But how are YOU able to judge? By just looking at the
car? Nuh-uh.

My goodness, The chip on your shoulder is getting bigger by the word.

Buddy, negative toe is only ONE reason for inner tread wear.



I moved the tie rod in two turns. Well since I noticed the

Ah, the expert has failed to correct the problem! How about that?
Perhaps he does not actually know what's wrong...

Well, if somebody like you came into my shop and I knew his history, I'd
tell him to take a hike and not even book the car in. Wonder why?

Look, the car's been poked up the ass and the other end by your own
admission (but with no indication of the extent of the damage...). You
obviously have NO idea how little it takes to wreck a unibody.

The unibody may well be damaged beyond economic correction.

 

Nick wrote:

toe problems are common - in my experience usually because alignment is
set wrong by whoever adjusts it. take it to a shop and specify the rear
is set per the book, and the front to parallel. book for the front is
actually quite a wide spec, so a lot of places seem to set it for "wear
the tires faster".

regarding the frame, if it's bent, you need it straightened. depending
on the damage, it's not necessarily the end of the world. my civic's
about 1" shorter than factory, but it tracks ok and the wheels align ok
in the hands of someone that knows their business.

 

As I had previously stated, I tried going to a mom and pop place, and explained
to the exact problem before they did the alignment and that didn't work. That's
the only reason why I tried to fix it myself. I know that I don't have the laser
pointers like the professional shops have to properly align the car.


And if you have the "I know everything" attitude, keep the comments to yourself
please. I'd rather have no-one respond to my comments than have responses like
yours.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to look around for a reputable frame repair
shop.


Thanks,
Nick

 

This is an open forum. Get used to it.

 

i agree with tegger on this one, i wouldn't want to deal with you as a
customer in my shop either, if you know what the problem, then fix it
yourself is what i would say. if the adjustments can't be made they
probably set the toe (correctly) and did as best as possible with the
rest. bring to a frame alignment shop, check control arms to see if
they are bent, its been whacked. sh*t can't be turned into sugar just
because you want to.