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View Full Version : Suspension gurus help! Problem last track day!


sw20>>s14
07-03-2012, 04:07 PM
Just as a background, the car has been untouched suspension wise between track days (last one was in April). Haven't even taken the wheels off in between. It was typical for me to get very slight and gentle rubbing on the fronts. Imagine a glossy blue ring about the width of 1.5 mm on outer edge of the sidewall. I never really cared because it was never a big deal.

This last one a few days ago, my right front rubbed a substantial amount. To the point where excess (and I mean a lot) of rubber was on the fender above and my tire was beginning to get cuts and deep scours on the sidewall. It was so bad, it even damaged my fender a bit. Right now the inner lip has been bent back out a bit. I had to sit the last session out because I knew something was up.

Below are pictures from the exact same turn on the same track. I actually went a few months ago in April, but the photographer wasn't there for pictures. The day on April also had no major rubbing issues.

10.2011:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/iloves14/MF1A1356.jpg

6.2012:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/iloves14/HT4U5010.jpg

Notice how the right front wheel is tucked awkwardly this time around. EVERYTHING about the car has been the same between track days. That is the same exact turn to display the difference (This is the only turn that's consistent enough for me to demonstrate. There is another turn that is a sustained left turn that I smelled the most burning on, which it never did in the past).

I am freaking out because I'm going to Laguna Seca this Sunday and would like to know what it could possibly be. I haven't had time to check it out or bring it to an alignment shop yet so I'm asking ahead of time to get some possible ideas and be ready when I finally do bring it to the shop.

My guesses are alignment is out of wack, possible issues with my tension rod and caster, possible issues with camber plates, etc.

Any help is much appreciated guys! I'd be happy to explore for myself, but I'm in a bind with time and have been having severe back issues lately.

fliprayzin240sx
07-03-2012, 06:38 PM
Looks like camber is off, check the camber plates and see if it moved. If thats not it, it might be loose at the knuckle.

NismoSilvia270R
07-03-2012, 07:24 PM
Looks like camber is off, check the camber plates and see if it moved. If thats not it, it might be loose at the knuckle.

some coilovers have slotted mounts to adjust the camber at the knuckle. I have had this problem. definitely think that could be a possibility.

side note: i had the heim joint on an aftermarket traction rod open up on me the other week. it caused the tire to rub the quarter panel so fiercely it blew out the sidewall, and the axle boot got cut by the coilover to spew grease all over it all.

someone once told me to swap out heim joints every year or more. i guess 5 years was a pretty good run for those. ill be stock piling these for a while.

if you have anything like that (TC Rods), id recommend the same.

slider2828
07-03-2012, 10:13 PM
Take it to an alignment shop... Maybe theShop in San Bruno and get it checked out.... Easy peasy....