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Front upper A-arm alignment shims

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Old May 20, 2023 | 10:22 AM
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Default Front upper A-arm alignment shims

Hi everyone

What is a good starting point, when placing these shims on the two bolts if the upper A-arms?
I didn't take any photo's, but I have to start somewhere.

The rest will be done by a local alignment shop. (I've been there. They know my car.)

There are 3 types of shims:
1/32", 1/16", 1/8"
I have plenty.



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Old May 20, 2023 | 10:32 AM
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How far is the alignment shop from your car's storage place? If only a couple miles of town/city driving, then it likely doesn't matter. If further or highway speeds, think about trailering it -- in which case, it still doesn't matter.

There are threads here on the C3 forum about fairly simple home alignment techniques that will certainly get you close with the A-arm shims.
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Old May 20, 2023 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by 67:72
How far is the alignment shop from your car's storage place? If only a couple miles of town/city driving, then it likely doesn't matter. If further or highway speeds, think about trailering it -- in which case, it still doesn't matter.

There are threads here on the C3 forum about fairly simple home alignment techniques that will certainly get you close with the A-arm shims.
It's about 2,5 km (5 min driving, 50 km/h max.).
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Old May 20, 2023 | 11:07 AM
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Center the wheel in the wheel well for caster, then set the camber to zero (use a square, or a level).

Should be close enough to get down the road.
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Old May 20, 2023 | 01:44 PM
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"Center the wheel in the wheel well for caster, then set the camber to zero (use a square, or a level).
Should be close enough to get down the road".

Agree, that short distance won't matter much, so just play around with it a bit to get it close if you want.
Take those shims with you, as they aren't used on modern cars and the shop may not have any in stock.
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Old May 20, 2023 | 05:13 PM
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Can't comment on the alignment settings but I like using shims that don't have the tabs on the top. You can get them in bulk at NAPA in different thicknesses.
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Old May 20, 2023 | 08:56 PM
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Nothing wrong with shims with the tabs on them. Just aren't as pretty. I would throw 2 thick ones on each side on the forward bolts. And 4 thick ones on each side on the rear bolts. Set it down. If the wheels look close to being straight up and down that'll get you to the shop. If there tilted out at the top. Add more shims. If there tilted inwards at the top take out shims. If they look pretty close. Good enough for a short drive.
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