When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
That link is to another vid showing which plastics have to be removed for a proper alignment. Z51 brake ducts add time to the process, I don’t have those.
Regardless, I decided to cut my plastics to allow for access to the eccentric bolt heads/nuts. I don’t think there will be ANY discernible downside to the open access holes, but make your own decisions about your own car.
If you decide to undo the access holes in the future, then new plastics (3) would be needed. The front two air spats get beat up anyway, and the rear muffler shield should not be hard to source….or even fabricate if need be.
My advice would be to at least remove these pieces yourself before an alignment instead of relying on a technician to remove and replace all the screws and bolts. But, for me, less work is better and as a long term solution access holes just seem like a good compromise.
I made a video here showing more detail. I used a dremel with a side cut bit and a sanding barrel. The above pics with the wrenches hanging show the access/swing points now.
What puzzles me is how they accomplish the alignment at the factory if these panels are in the way?
On the BGA video I have seen, they roll the vehicle off the line, start engine, and then drive it into the alignment bay.
Are these panels then installed later? Why not just remove the panel?
Yes, some black duct tape may be another covering solution!
Maybe, a flip open rubber flap like those on an old bell housing inspection window would make every owner AND Tadge happy 😆.
At the factory I believe they are just setting the toe at the end of the line, the camber and caster bolts are installed with a jig to be within the (very wide) margin of error.
Factory alignments are "good enough" at best. Both my C7 and C8 were out of the factory spec range and required alignments under warranty. This isn't uncommon though, it's most brands. Paying for an alignment at the dealership under warranty for the 10% who take time to notice is cheaper than slowing things down and doing it right at the factory.
Alignment Access Windows Cut…
