Suspension Gremlins

[StanBo]

I have run into a bit of a problem. I will give you some history and findings before I get into it.

1. The car supposedly pulled to the right when the previous owner tapped the brakes. He had the front calipers replaced and that supposedly fixed the problem.

2. Another clue is the passenger tire shows evidence that it suffered from positive camber. The outside of the tire is worn way more than the inside.

3. The arm assembly on the passenger side is rusted and seems to have suffered some scrape damage. The driver’s side is still covered with paint and is scrape free. The car also seems to dip more when I hit potholes on the passenger side than the driver.


Here is my problem. I have included some links showing some damage. The inside of my front passenger tire is rubbing up against my coil over. It melted some of the sidewall away. I thought it was rubbing against the top of my fender wall. My mechanic also says the tire seems to be off center.

Melted Tire (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_003.gif)
Close-up of melted tire (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_004.gif)
Scored TC rod (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_005.gif)
Scored TC rod mount (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_006.gif)
Another worn tire shot (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_007.gif)
Passenger side frame rail damage (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_008.gif)
Positive camber wear close-up (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_009.gif)
Full positive camber shot (http://www.geocities.com/bqe_racer/07_02_240sx_010.gif)

I am in need of an alignment and I am gearing up to get one. I am also shopping for tires to fit the current 15” rims. I plan to have the wheels balanced when the new tires go on.

I have some questions.

Is anyone else running into this problem with their coil overs?

Do you think an alignment will cure this or do I need to replace suspension parts?

If I do need to replace parts what would you suggest?

[StanBo]

Geocities bagged me.  Please look at the pics on my personal site:

StanBo's Webpage (http://www.speakeasy.org/~stanbo/)

[Yosho]

Thanks for posting the pics...

It's hard to say exactly, because you may have several problems going on at once... but I think a quality Alignment will be a good start in trying to track down your Gremlins.  You'll especially want to see the camber/castor/and toe on that right front wheel.  It seems like the car hit something on that right side and it probably bent suspension pieces... the alignment should tell the tale and then you'll have to go from there.

[bbp]

From looking at your pics:

R&R TC rod bushings - this will cure the funky right side feeling.

It looks like you have added coilovers with stock wheels (?).  You need to either get a different offset on your wheels or add some spacers (get H&R).

The tire wear is due to excessive negative camber (inside of the tire is worn).

The caliper is fine and I wouldn't worry about the control arm unless it is visibly kinked or the car won't align good enough.

here is your to do list.

install wheel spacers (make sure they are hub centric)
install camber correction bolts from PDM
replace tc bushes
get good alignment
install new tires
repair parking brake cable