Importance of Wheel Alignment?

[DrunkenTiger]

I am planning on installing trd lowering springs tommorow afternoon. However, I've heard from people that you need alignment after installing the springs. What is the importance of wheel alignment and should I get them asap? Or wait for the springs to settle in? Much thanks in advance

[oo_snoopy]

You need the camber adjusters, and need to have someone adjust your car for you. If you don't, your camber will be off and your tires will wear uneaven.

[Camry2000]

My buddy did not align his Solara after installing his coilovers. Within a few thousand miles, the inner treading of one of his front tires were gone. The steal belted radial was exposed and everything.

[DrunkenTiger]

do you guys suggest I do an alignment immediately after installing the springs?

what about the toyota dealer? dont they offer free alignment during maintence check?

[Camry2000]

Alignments are never free. Dealer considers that wear and tear. Your best bet is to go to an alignment shop. A lot of shops in Chicago will not touch lowered cars. They will only do stock cars.

[outhouse]

look wait the trd does not lower to far and yes wait 3 to 6 month's and then get it alig it takes a while for springs to settle do not do it rite away. your front will be fine the back will only be out a hair for now. you do not need camber adjustments for trd spring's.

[DrunkenTiger]

3-6 months? Why so long, wouldn't that damage the tires even if it's trd springs. I didnt know trd springs took that long to settle, I thought the immediate drop was 1.25

[WillyK]

After getting my TRD springs and stuts installed I waited about a month and then got an alignment. Definately get an alignment done.

[Camry2000]

One month is more than enough. 3-6 months is overkill.

[WillyK]

Originally posted by Camry2000
One month is more than enough. 3-6 months is overkill.

:werd:

[DrunkenTiger]

The TRD springs are in and they look AWESOME

My celica doesn't have the 4x4 look anymore woohoo

thanks for the tips guys, I will get an alignment in 2 weeks or so.

[mickey513]

Originally posted by Camry2000
One month is more than enough. 3-6 months is overkill.

Yup, totally agree. You can kiss your tire good bye when the 6 months hit.

The most I wait have been 2 weeks aftering getting springs, shocks, or even tires.

[csirani]

DrunkenTiger, where did you get your springs installed at and how much did it cost. I'm thinking of getting a set this week.

BTW, I live in Cerritos that's why I was asking.

thanks,
-Cawas

[DrunkenTiger]

I purchased mine at WC toyota for around 196 dollars

then got them installed at "autosalon motorsport" in la habra for 70 dollars (make sure matt installs it, he's been installing springs for numerous celica owners)

www.autosalonmotorsport.com

alignment will cost you around 40 dollars

so all in all, you'll be paying around 300

[csirani]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciate it.

[Ghost GTS]

ummm i haven't had an alignment yet..... i've had my springs for over 8 months now... but my tires are wearing evenly... i didn't even know i had to get one..... but i might go today and was wondering , if i do get an alignment, would i have to get another one if i was to get new tires? god i wish i would of known of this to be safe

[mickey513]

Originally posted by Ghost GTS
ummm i haven't had an alignment yet..... i've had my springs for over 8 months now... but my tires are wearing evenly... i didn't even know i had to get one..... but i might go today and was wondering , if i do get an alignment, would i have to get another one if i was to get new tires? god i wish i would of known of this to be safe

Most likely you will need a new alignment, but you can get by if the steering wheel is still straight aftering installing the tires.

[00CericaRuss]

yeah.. my alignment wasn't too far off after the trd springs, but it was still off a bit

[erok]

Don't forget the handling benefits a good alignment gives. Do a search on "alignment" in the autocross forum for more info.