I did the suspension install and if you mean the "compensating plates" and all the other little bits then yes I am sure that is all correct. I suppose worn bushings are a possibility at 70K miles but it doesn't drive like it has worn bushings and you would think if they were worn enough to create this issue that they would move around just doing the alignment and would be apparent to the tech doing the work.

Just when I thought I was "done" working on this car for a while, now I'll have to get to the bottom of this one.

 

I'm guessing that it was the alignment tech. I just lowered mine to X74 spec with 80k on it and it aligned without issue. The only difference is I had adjustable rear toe links.

 

All good alignment place will not do an alignment if any of your bushings are worn. This is the first thing they check when they have it up on the rack as they've learned in the past that it will affect them from being able to align it perfectly.

 

Maybe. But it looks to me like he used all of the available camber adjustment on the RR and still couldn't get there. Is there another way?

 

My first guess is worn, sagging springs. Were they bought used? Than consider a different alignment shop to verify the numbers are correct. Than I would triple check your install. Lots of pieces in these shock mounts. Cups, thrust bearings, rubber bushings... One flipped or missing or out of order piece could cause issue. But the first 2 are my best guess if you don't have recked bushings.

 

+1 And I'm not just saying that because jj1 is who I get my suspension and tire advice from. OK, actually I am.

 

jj1 - sounds like you are suggesting that ride height or a ride height difference side to side is part of the problem and I don't have these issues (I don't think).

I understand assembling the parts incorrectly would cause problems but unless they result in a ride height difference I don't see how that would be related to alignment.

 

The good news is you now have all of the information in this thread you need. All of the most common issues have been listed for you to check out and eliminate one by one if you choose. Also listed is the hardware needed to correct it, once again if you so choose.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

 

^So let it be written, so let it be done...^

 

I'm not trying to produce a proclamation from on high. Every thing that was suggested to him he argues with why that's probably not the case. At some point you have to move past theoretical discussion and pick a course of action. In this case it's either troubleshoot the cause by testing all possibilities and fix if able, purchase the hardware that will fix it regardless, or be happy with what you have.

 

I apologize for coming across like I am arguing. I thought I was providing feedback on the possibilities. I appreciate all of the input on this and will continue to try to figure it out with the suggestions provided.

 

No worries, I was trying to point it out without coming across like an ***. Then I got called out for it and came across as a bigger ***. Lol.

Less than a degree off isn't horrible as pointed out above so it may not matter or cause you any issues if you are only driving on the street. If you want to figure it out, either try a different alignment shop or go back and double check everything with the installation. Also, find some truly flat ground (easier said than done) and get out your measuring tape to check heights.

 

My concern about the difference side to side is sort of an academic thing I guess. I am more concerned that the 3 degrees of negative camber on the RR will cause accelerated inside tire wear, which I had before the alignment and was trying to cure

 

Hopefully getting the toe down from .43 to .21 RR and evened out on both sides should lessen the wear. I'm running .25 toe and 2.5 camber in the rear so we will find out together how bad it wears.

Also, FYI, my guy recommended flipping the tires as they start to wear, even on my Pilot Super Sports which have an "outside" side. I highly discourage going against manufacturer's recommendations on tire usage (legal disclaimer) but I am going to give it a try.