Alignment Woes
Alignment Woes
I recently had my 2010 RX450h aligned at Firestone. I have the lifetime alignment plan with them. They are insistent that I need camber bolts for the front end of my RX. Left side camber is -1.5 and the right is -1.0. The right side is in the green, but the left isn't. If the left was -1.4 it would be in the green! I called my local lexus dealer and they told me this was complete junk! That Firestone's machine must be broken! Just wondering if anyone else can chime in with their alignment measurement from their front end? Hybrid or not! Can you please provide your front camber number right and left and if you have had any abnormal tire wear!
Thank you
Thank you
First off, the red and green means nothing. Any monkey can turn a wrench until the screen shows green but that doesn't mean it's a good alignment.. If your toe is +1.0 degree on the passenger side and -1.0 on the driver side, the screen can still show green but your car is going to be pulling.
Second, you do not need camber bolts. They are band-aids to the real problem. We have struts suspension so any issues with camber will be from the lower control arm bushings wearing out. I would take a look at that before anything else. The difference between -1.4 and -1.5 degree is nothing and can change as soon as you roll the vehicle off the rack.
I would avoid Firestone if possible, and this is coming from someone who has Firestone Lifetime Alignment (not on the RX).
Second, you do not need camber bolts. They are band-aids to the real problem. We have struts suspension so any issues with camber will be from the lower control arm bushings wearing out. I would take a look at that before anything else. The difference between -1.4 and -1.5 degree is nothing and can change as soon as you roll the vehicle off the rack.
I would avoid Firestone if possible, and this is coming from someone who has Firestone Lifetime Alignment (not on the RX).
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
First off, the red and green means nothing. Any monkey can turn a wrench until the screen shows green but that doesn't mean it's a good alignment.. If your toe is +1.0 degree on the passenger side and -1.0 on the driver side, the screen can still show green but your car is going to be pulling.
Second, you do not need camber bolts. They are band-aids to the real problem. We have struts suspension so any issues with camber will be from the lower control arm bushings wearing out. I would take a look at that before anything else. The difference between -1.4 and -1.5 degree is nothing and can change as soon as you roll the vehicle off the rack.
I would avoid Firestone if possible, and this is coming from someone who has Firestone Lifetime Alignment (not on the RX).
Second, you do not need camber bolts. They are band-aids to the real problem. We have struts suspension so any issues with camber will be from the lower control arm bushings wearing out. I would take a look at that before anything else. The difference between -1.4 and -1.5 degree is nothing and can change as soon as you roll the vehicle off the rack.
I would avoid Firestone if possible, and this is coming from someone who has Firestone Lifetime Alignment (not on the RX).
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 143
Likes: 53
From: Ontario
Specs are here for info
http://workshop-manuals.com/lexus/rx.../service_data/
______________________________________________________________________________
2015 RX350 F Sport
2015 K1600GTL , Magnesium beige, Nav V
1970 Plymouth Superbird 440-6bbl
1969 Plymouth Barracuda (6.1 L Hemi transplant i/p)
1969 Plymouth Barracuda 340, Formula S
http://workshop-manuals.com/lexus/rx.../service_data/
______________________________________________________________________________
2015 RX350 F Sport
2015 K1600GTL , Magnesium beige, Nav V
1970 Plymouth Superbird 440-6bbl
1969 Plymouth Barracuda (6.1 L Hemi transplant i/p)
1969 Plymouth Barracuda 340, Formula S
Last edited by RealWing; Apr 11, 2016 at 05:37 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 52
Agreed. Even though they charge WAY too much, it's worth it to go to the dealer. Alignments are one of the few services where I think the dealer would be the best alternative. Never under any circumstances would I consider going to a Firestone or Goodyear store.
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First off, the red and green means nothing. Any monkey can turn a wrench until the screen shows green but that doesn't mean it's a good alignment.. If your toe is +1.0 degree on the passenger side and -1.0 on the driver side, the screen can still show green but your car is going to be pulling.
Second, you do not need camber bolts. They are band-aids to the real problem. We have struts suspension so any issues with camber will be from the lower control arm bushings wearing out. I would take a look at that before anything else. The difference between -1.4 and -1.5 degree is nothing and can change as soon as you roll the vehicle off the rack.
I would avoid Firestone if possible, and this is coming from someone who has Firestone Lifetime Alignment (not on the RX).
Second, you do not need camber bolts. They are band-aids to the real problem. We have struts suspension so any issues with camber will be from the lower control arm bushings wearing out. I would take a look at that before anything else. The difference between -1.4 and -1.5 degree is nothing and can change as soon as you roll the vehicle off the rack.
I would avoid Firestone if possible, and this is coming from someone who has Firestone Lifetime Alignment (not on the RX).
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 835
Likes: 82
From: Nukewastedump
What did your final numbers end up being?. Just to give you a comparison as you asked, all the following numbers are in degrees. Left front camber -1.3 , right front camber -0.7 . left front caster 2.7 , right front caster 2.4 . left front toe .06 , right front toe .07. (2010 rx350)
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