B5 perches + new upper control arms = alignment questions

[chrisdmm]

Hey guys,

Heres my issue. I'm on stock Sline struts and springs. Needed new upper control arms and decided to put in b5 perches at the same time to even out the front (i hate the reverse rake).

I was successful at installing the b5 perches on both sides but was unable to finish the passenger side UCA swap because of the stupid pinch bolt. I will attempt again this weekend, suggestions?

I have the firestone lifetime alignment service so i decided to go in today to realign the suspension. The tech came back and said my drivers side had out of spec camber (side with new UCAs) at -2.6 while the pass side (old UCA) was normal at -0.2. He said camber in the front cannot be adjusted.

My question is, why would a brand new UCA contribute to more neg camber while an old UCA with old bushings fall within spec?


Thanks

[chrisdmm]

If it helps, here are my current specs after the alignment

Front left
Camber: -2.6
Toe:0.18

Front right
Camber: -0.2
Toe:0.16

Front cross camber: -2.4
Front total toe: 0.34

Rear left
Camber: -0.9
Toe: 0.24

Rear right
Camber: 1.1
Toe: 0.21

Rear cross camber: -2.0
Rear total toe: 0.46
Thrust angle: 0.02
Axle offset: 0.0

Prior to b5 perches the front was 67cm (26.378 inches) FTG
After b5 it is 65cm (25.59 inches) FTG

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Did you load the suspension prior to tightening all the bolts on the control arms you replaced?

Jason

[vwnobby]

I did the same thing as you. Replaced control arms and installed B5 perches, bought the Firestone lifetime alignment, and had nothing but problems. After 4 failed attempts to do a proper alignment at Firestone, I took the car to EuroTire in Fairfield, NJ and they got it right the first time. EuroTire does the alignments right. Firestone aligns to what the computer tells them is "within spec". My tires are completely shot now (If not for the alignment issues, I probably could have used them for another season).
Ultimately I complained to Firestone Corporate and they reimbursed me the cost of the alignment at EuroTire.

Do yourself a favor and take it to a proper shop, like EuroTire, and have them take a look at it.

[Charles.waite]

Camber can be adjusted, it requires the subframe to be loosened and shifted to bring the centerpoint back to the center. I would just power through, and get your other side UCA's replaced (and tightened at ride height, thats a must) and then have a competent shop (read: NOT firestone) do the alignment.

[chrisdmm]

Thanks for all your replies. I am taking it to my local euro shop thursday to get the other side done. I did load the suspension before tightening the bolts on the UCA. Took a measurement from center hub to fender before wheel came off, then used jack to raise it with the wheel off, then I tighten them.

[chrisdmm]

Thanks for the recommendation. Did you happen to get the printout from Eurotire with the right specs by any chance? Or does anyone know the optimal specs for the s-line suspension setup?


I did the same thing as you. Replaced control arms and installed B5 perches, bought the Firestone lifetime alignment, and had nothing but problems. After 4 failed attempts to do a proper alignment at Firestone, I took the car to EuroTire in Fairfield, NJ and they got it right the first time. EuroTire does the alignments right. Firestone aligns to what the computer tells them is "within spec". My tires are completely shot now (If not for the alignment issues, I probably could have used them for another season).
Ultimately I complained to Firestone Corporate and they reimbursed me the cost of the alignment at EuroTire.

Do yourself a favor and take it to a proper shop, like EuroTire, and have them take a look at it.

[bnish]

Camber can be adjusted, it requires the subframe to be loosened and shifted to bring the centerpoint back to the center. I would just power through, and get your other side UCA's replaced (and tightened at ride height, thats a must) and then have a competent shop (read: NOT firestone) do the alignment.

i just had my alignment done this way. is this conventional? are there any negative side effects to aligning this way? i was a little worried when they told me that they shifted the subframe.

[vwnobby]

Thanks for the recommendation. Did you happen to get the printout from Eurotire with the right specs by any chance? Or does anyone know the optimal specs for the s-line suspension setup?

Unfortunately I did not get them. I was told I should have asked before hand, but I asked when I paid. Next time I go in I will ask for the print out ahead of time.

[Charles.waite]

i just had my alignment done this way. is this conventional? are there any negative side effects to aligning this way? i was a little worried when they told me that they shifted the subframe.

Nope that's the proper way to do it. That's how the dealer does it.