10-13-2017, 11:04 AM | #1 |
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Alignment Necessary After Lowering?
Controversial subject incoming...
I recently installed the M Performance Coilovers. The sales guy at the performance shop suggested I get an alignment after the suspension has "settled" in "about a week." I know there's a lot of bro science online with car work just like anything else. But it's also been my understanding since I became a car enthusiast in my teens that any ride height change would warrant an alignment. Then I found this: https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/make-...lower-your-car
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10-13-2017, 11:27 AM | #2 |
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Sales guy is wise - MP coilovers will settle and any change in F &/or R camber will effect toe-in of either axle....
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10-13-2017, 02:31 PM | #3 |
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I don't know if there is any controversy...I don't know why someone would spend many dollar to modify a suspension and then not confirm that's it properly aligned and working correctly...seems like common sense to me
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10-13-2017, 02:37 PM | #4 | |
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My time is valuable. I'd rather not spend it doing things I don't have to do. Especially if I can confirm that with hard data. |
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10-13-2017, 02:50 PM | #5 |
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... also I think I might have misinterpreted that Tirerack Blog.
The author states an alignment kit is not necessary, which I'd guess probably means something that lets you adjust beyond the range of the existing hardware for correction. The implication is that a small drop of 1-1.5" can be corrected with the factory hardware. Something more severe might require modifying those parts - what might be more commonly known as a camber kit or something. I really don't know. Last edited by MineralGreyMetallic; 10-13-2017 at 02:58 PM.. |
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10-13-2017, 06:17 PM | #6 |
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In a word. Yes.
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10-14-2017, 10:54 AM | #7 |
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This is a no brainer. YES, after changing anything regarding the suspension geometry of the car you should get an alignment to confirm everything is still in spec.
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10-14-2017, 11:28 AM | #8 | |
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What Eibach is saying, is that lowering the car should not put the alignment so far out of spec that you would need an ?alignment? kit to bring it back into spec. Yes, you need to align the car and probably smart to check it again once the springs settle. |
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10-14-2017, 12:59 PM | #11 |
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BMW state that any fine tread fixing be replaced once removed.
The 12 point 18mm shock strut to guide support (front & rear) nut is single use. The 5 hex head bolt that hold the guide support to the body are single use. They are stretched when the correct torque of applied and do not provide the correct clamping force if re-used The 16mm nut for both the front drop link to strut & front strut to hub carrier are also single use. The bolt that clamps the strut to the front hub carrier is also single use for the same reason above. The rear shock to lower arm nut and bolt are also single use for the same reasons. Now, flame suit on, a lot of guys will argue you can reuse them.... but if you go the dealer that will follow BMW guidance and replace these for a reason. |
10-14-2017, 11:11 PM | #12 | |
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Ya, when I ordered the Coilover Kit I also ordered another kit that came with all that hardware. |
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10-16-2017, 10:25 AM | #13 |
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I am getting new springs installed and I am doing the alignment the same day. Hope it helps your data base.
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11-01-2017, 06:06 PM | #14 | |
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I got my alignment done right after my MCS coilover's were installed.
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12-31-2017, 11:34 PM | #16 |
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Was it close enough to adjust using the OE hardware, or did you need to get additional adjustable hardware (like camber plates)?
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01-01-2018, 10:17 AM | #17 |
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Don't forget to align the headlights too.
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