Rear end alignment help!!!!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
Rear end alignment help!!!!
Recently I lost my rear drive shaft outboard yoak. With that went the shock and the U-joint carrier on the shaft itself.
At the same time the tire has tilted topward into the frame (tow in) so that it rubs. I changed the control arm (trailing arm) pivot thinking it may have bent to reveal no change.... Surely I didn't bend the control arm itself??? The car was in a drivers side trust at the time of the failure and this seems backwards. The sway bar (?? if thats what they're called) cam is set all the way inboard and is at maximum correction to fix this problem already. If the sway bar were to be bent, it should shorten the total lenght and thereby cause Tow out.... I'm confused and hoping the control arm isn't bent!!!
At the same time the tire has tilted topward into the frame (tow in) so that it rubs. I changed the control arm (trailing arm) pivot thinking it may have bent to reveal no change.... Surely I didn't bend the control arm itself??? The car was in a drivers side trust at the time of the failure and this seems backwards. The sway bar (?? if thats what they're called) cam is set all the way inboard and is at maximum correction to fix this problem already. If the sway bar were to be bent, it should shorten the total lenght and thereby cause Tow out.... I'm confused and hoping the control arm isn't bent!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
You are describing the rear tire as having excessive negative camber.
It is tilted in at the top. This is most often caused by the differential
side yokes wearing down inside. If so, have a partner rock the wheel
in and out at the top while you watch the yoke at the diff. Up to 1/8"
of play is considered OK - but 1/4" and you need new yoke(s).
The vertical alignment is held by the strut rod (you say is adjusted fully in)
and the halfshaft (to the diff yoke).
If replacing yokes, most folks will also upgrade to VBP adjustable strut rods.
I like them for accurate small adjustments, but they are not necessary.
Good luck
It is tilted in at the top. This is most often caused by the differential
side yokes wearing down inside. If so, have a partner rock the wheel
in and out at the top while you watch the yoke at the diff. Up to 1/8"
of play is considered OK - but 1/4" and you need new yoke(s).
The vertical alignment is held by the strut rod (you say is adjusted fully in)
and the halfshaft (to the diff yoke).
If replacing yokes, most folks will also upgrade to VBP adjustable strut rods.
I like them for accurate small adjustments, but they are not necessary.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
Are you saying that part of the aligment is held by the half shaft?
Would that explain why the tire tipped "In" when I lost the shaft? and why now I can't get it to straighten up (the half shaft is at the shop being repaired)??
That seems odd to me, but would explain alot.
Would that explain why the tire tipped "In" when I lost the shaft? and why now I can't get it to straighten up (the half shaft is at the shop being repaired)??
That seems odd to me, but would explain alot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
OH ... thought you already replaced the halfshaft, etc.
If the halfshaft is OUT - then YES .... it supports the wheel from tilting in.
Once the shaft is in place, it will be good. So, you can grab your diff
yoke on the side and pull in/out. Like i said - 1/8" is still usable, but more
than that and they (it) should be replaced.
If the halfshaft is OUT - then YES .... it supports the wheel from tilting in.
Once the shaft is in place, it will be good. So, you can grab your diff
yoke on the side and pull in/out. Like i said - 1/8" is still usable, but more
than that and they (it) should be replaced.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
AH!!!! Good to know.. That DEFFINATELY explains alot! I was prepaired to by new control arms and/or haul the car to Salt Lake City to get the rear end set up by a Vette shop since there isn't anyone local for that in Southwestern Wyoming....
Sheesh - I feel kinda silly now but it just seemed odd to use rotating equipment to hold that geometry.... must have some sort of thrust bearings in the diff?
Thanks for your help - the shaft is getting picked up now and will be installed tonight. She should see the pavement tomorrow!!!!
Thanks!!!!!
Sheesh - I feel kinda silly now but it just seemed odd to use rotating equipment to hold that geometry.... must have some sort of thrust bearings in the diff?
Thanks for your help - the shaft is getting picked up now and will be installed tonight. She should see the pavement tomorrow!!!!
Thanks!!!!!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Wyoming
Shaft was installed last night, tire is back where it's supposed to be. Thanks!
I'm sure its not perfect and I'll have to get it aligned, but at least it can be driven to get aligned!!!
Have a question about replacement rear springs, but will start a new thread.
I'm sure its not perfect and I'll have to get it aligned, but at least it can be driven to get aligned!!!
Have a question about replacement rear springs, but will start a new thread.
