I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.

A year or so ago I was dumb enough to let my girlfriend drive my rx-7. Needless to say, she crashed it. She lost control on a turn and had a side impact with a dumpster (im still not sure exactly how she did this). To make matters worse, i had just spent ALOT of money replacing the engine (it only has probably has less thab 1200 miles on it now, the engine that is). Anyways, I am trying to figure exactly why the right rear wheel is tilted out as much as it is. A friend of mine suggested it was the toe control arm. Below are some pictures. Let me know what you guys think...








Sorry about the size of these photos...

 

I can't tell from those photos. I can't get an overall perspective on it.

My suggestion would be to get the rear up on the stands, and then compare LH to RH. Whatever on the right is not a mirror image of the left is probably bent.

Dave

 

It's hard to say, but from your final picture it looks as though the bolt that holds the toe link in place is broken off.

when it comes to the suspension of these cars, it's stupid to take risks. I'd suggest having a shop check it out, you'll probably need new rear tow links and trailing arms.

 

That bolt lookedto me like it was at an angle, but not broken. The question is, why is it at an angle, and i couldn't see enough to determine that.

Dave

 

the lower longitudinal link looks like it is bent in... it is hard to tell from the pics. the upper toe link is just at an angle because the upright/wheel is in an unusual position. can you post a pic to the lower longitudinal link?

 

dam, is she still your girlfriend? I know when I got into alittle run in with a fence post sliding I wanted to break up with myself

 

Thanks for your replies. Here are a few more photos...







I will try to get some better photos...

 

figures. Did you ever find a louder exhaust for it? If you want to trade, I have an HKS Super Dragger on mine which is louder than the RB Dual Tip you have.

If you already replaced the RB, do you want to sell it to me?

 

Your adjustment plate is all the way to the left (inwards). Loosen the bolt and position the plate so the bolt is centered in rotation, then make fine adjustments.

 

^^^Actually that is just what i tried to do early today. It didnt seem to work. Its almost as if its pushing outwards from where the toe control bar connects (i dont see how this is possible though). Is there a rear castor adjustment cam (yes i realize the rear wheels dont have steering)?

Im going to try adjust the camber again (i hope its that simple!)...

 

I just re-adjusted the camber, and it seemed to help quite a bit, but this time i adjusted the bolt all the way in (the opposite than as in the photo) instead of to the center. Although much better it still is a bit strange (the toe side is still sticking out a little), but it is not fish-tailing like it was. Thank you for getting me to re-examine it!

I need to post some pictures of the body damage. I suppose damage to the front fender is easy to deal with. I have no idea how one goes about fixing body damage to that area by the wheel well...

 

Sweet lord, she did a number on your FD. Just reinforces my policy of NO ONE but me driving my R1......

 

Maybe try taking some measurements from the left side and see how they compare to the right. I would just go ahead and replace or upgrade any suspension parts which may be questionable. Also look close at the subframe mounting points to make sure they dont look bent. Check the rim over well for cracks too if you hadn't already.

I have some of the stock rear suspension parts off my car with low miles if you are interested, check out the thread.

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=736165

 

I failed to mention that there are two ways of adjusting the camber. You can also adjust it at the upper arm, right above.

 

I just edited my above post but i will reiterate. Luckly it was mainly the camber (i had to put it on the most severe setting and its still not right, but far better)...

After i get this suspension 100% i "only" have to fix the body (any ideas on how to fix the rear body damage) !

 

How do you do that, i didnt see a cam there? If i do that then the problem is hopefully solved...

 

Sorry, I mis-read the shop manual. It appears only the front wheels have the upper adjustment. Your best bet is to get it drivable and take it to a shop to have everything aligned properly.

The best way to fix the body damage would be to cut out the entire rear fender and weld a new one on. If you want to try to salvage what you have, you're going to need to weld studs onto the fender, connect a slide hammer and pull it back into shape. You might also try hitting it with a rubber mallet to bend it back in. It's going to be a lot of work this way. A frame shop might be able bend it back better and faster than you can do it.