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S4 lowered, can't align... Help! several ???

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Old 11-17-09, 09:40 PM
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S4 lowered, can't align... Help! several ???

So I installed suspension technics lowering springs, energy suspension master bushing kit, AGX shocks. Today I drove the car (very carefully) to the alignment shop. My rear camber is out a little. but the guy says rear camber is not adjustable. Is there a part I can install to make it adjustable.

He also says that to set front camber, he has to drop the front shocks and rotate them. He charges extra for this. so I was wondering if any of you guys with similar setups could tell me which way each shock should point.

Also the cross member has to be dropped, scooted over to the right and tightened back up. which adjustment does that fix? He charges extra for that too.

One more thing regarding rear shocks. They creak!. When I first installed them and lowered the car, I noticed that the small top disk, (the center thing that is keyed to only go on the shaft one way) was up away from the mount. I took the shocks back out and grabbed the shop manual. There is one of two rubber bushings gone, and a collar of some sort also missing. Sorry I don't have the manual here so I don't know the names. All I have is the spring perch, one rubber bushing, the sleeve, lock washer and nut. I improvised by installing a really large washer meant for the lower rear shock mount. ( I had extra) this kept the shock from poking trough the mount, but it still squeaks. What do I do/ where do i shop?

Sorry to have so many questions, but I really need this car operational again.



Thanks in advance.
Old 11-17-09, 09:51 PM
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your rear camber is fine. if you really wanted them even, you'd have to buy individual adjusters, which are ~190. but i wouldnt even bother. for the front- rotating the tops will BARELY affect camber/caster. not enough to bother paying anyone for.
if you want to do it yourself: there is a small raised square on the top of the strut mount. orient the mount so that the square points inward and toward the rear.

the crossmember (rear subframe) does not move! that guy is probably an idiot. if he cant get toe within spec, your car is either damaged, or he doesn't know what he's doing.

your alignment is fine for just driving around. if you are more serious about performance, you're gonna want front camber plates.
Old 11-17-09, 10:08 PM
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the cross member was the front that he was talking about.

I do want adjustable pillow ball mounts.

The guy seems to know what he is talking about. I went to a shop that was very highly recommended.
Old 11-17-09, 11:11 PM
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your caster split is too far off. adjust that and get the toe set.

caster can be adjusted, like the mechanic said, by dropping the strut and turning it. your other front settings look fine.

your left rear camber seems too low...i'm pretty sure that rear toe can be adjusted, but not camber(stock).

i have no idea what you're talking about that is making your car squeak. install it properly(as mazda intended, not rigged) and it should be fine.
Old 11-17-09, 11:24 PM
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front/rear crossmembers are not movable, and even if they were, moving the front wouldn't affect your alignment. guy sounds full of ****

mismatched rear camber is typical of lowered FC's. the only solution is camber adjusters.
Old 11-18-09, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Josh18_2k
front/rear crossmembers are not movable, and even if they were, moving the front wouldn't affect your alignment. guy sounds full of ****

mismatched rear camber is typical of lowered FC's. the only solution is camber adjusters.
who makes rear camber adjustables?
Old 11-18-09, 07:32 PM
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http://mazdatrix.com/h6_86-92.htm
down at the bottom (left, and right, ~135 each)
these ahve zerk fittings for lubing.


http://www.awrracing.com/store/produ...products_id=80
these are a cheaper, but no zerks. you could prolly add your own (recommended)


if you just want the camber even, you could get away with just one on the mazdatrix units. put it on the wheel with more camber.
Old 11-19-09, 02:05 AM
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