RR Trailing arm alignment

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Sep 2, 2013 | 08:34 PM

jms 73

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From: Mi

RR Trailing arm alignment

Question for RR alignment.

I have replaced my rear calipers and also the leaf and shocks.

All is well accept I have interference wth the rotor hitting the outside of the RR caliper mouth at the top of the caliper. The rotor seems to sit close to the center on the bottom side of the caliper mouth with no interference.

I suspect the trailing arm/ caliper mount plate is sitting cockeyed.

I noticed that the trailing arm has 2of3 spacers on the inside of the bushing on the RR and the LR has the 2of3 spacers on the outside.

My question - will the spacing of the trailing arm at the bushings effect the angle of the caliper in relation to the rotor.

I can get my bearings and alignment done for $200 local but the bearings seem tight and I don't think they are an issue unless they are installed wrong.

Thanks for the help

Jeff

Sep 3, 2013 | 12:44 AM

cagotzmann

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jms 73

The trailing arm bushing only set the toe alignment of the rear tire. The caliper mounting point is based on a fixed spot on the trailing arm. Are the caliper's and rotors stock sizes ? Is it possible the Caliper was installed on the wrong side. I am not sure it's possible but I do know they fit only in 1 spot.

Sep 3, 2013 | 08:00 AM

CAMS69

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Maybe

Rear rotor mounting wall thickness is less than fronts. A front on the rear could cause misalignment. Front and rear rotors look similar.

Sep 3, 2013 | 11:29 PM

jms 73

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From: Mi

Thanks gents

I will check the thickness - it will help but I'm afraid the rotor is still not parallel with the caliper and I have some mis-alignment.

Jeff

Sep 4, 2013 | 12:33 AM

mac79vette

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Is this with the rotor bolted down? Are the rivets still installed, if not do you have the problem after you bolt the wheel on to seat the rotor?

Sep 4, 2013 | 10:38 PM

jms 73

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From: Mi

I do have the correct "rear" rotors and have the issue with the rotor bolted on. The top(front) of the caliper is not centered with the rotor and is pushed outboard.

I am suspecting a bad caliper reproduction cause I bought new replacements. Either that or the mount ear is bent outward. The problem was not there with the old caliper though.

Thanks all
Jeff

Sep 6, 2013 | 07:46 AM

myko

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jms 73

It would be hard to bend the mount and not know it. I agree, it is not a problem with the TA alignment. It could be the bearings if they were able to fit the spindle into the housing at a angle. Is there wobble in the rotor as it turns on the spindle? Does it help to index the rotor - change the position of the rotor on the hub to get the least end play?

Sep 6, 2013 | 06:13 PM

DUB

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Quote:

Originally Posted by myko

Does it help to index the rotor - change the position of the rotor on the hub to get the least end play?

DO NOT DO THIS...the rear rotors can only go on one way...so you still have the ability to adjust your parking brake with the rotor on as designed by GM.. UNLESS you do not care to have a functional parking brake.

End play is in the bearing set-up. And the rotors do not have anything to do with that also. And rotating the rotor's position on the spindle to try to correct a bent spindle is not correct either.

I think it is a broken caliper mount bracket...or the trailing arm is loose to the bearing support housing. I have seen the four nuts loose before and cause the entire assembly to go nuts.

DUB