Problem:
My CRX has had a little problem with tramlining and a sort of inconsistent erratic or nervous pull to the right. It doesn't correlate to acceleration or braking -- it seems more related to road grooves. The feeling is mildly disconcerting, but tire wear is another concern.
History:
I figured the problem could be resolved with an alignment. I was looking at an upgrade for suspension and wheels/tires, so I decided to wait until everything was in. I've just finished installing everything and I took the car in for an alignment. I got the numbers back yesterday and am a little concerned. The toe was easily adjusted, but caster and camber are off. Most importantly, the problem persists after toe was zeroed out. Due to some sort of miscommunication, they only did a Front End Alignment, but they also found that the rear had some issues:
[CASTER]
Left:3.40* Right:2.59*
[FRONT CAMBER]
Left:-1.28* Right:-0.74*
[REAR THRUST ANGLE]
Angle:0.11
Proposed Solution:
The shop's recommendation was to install SPC adjustable ball joints in order to adjust caster/camber, and the mechanic said the RTA would be an easy fix.
Opinions?:
I suppose I'm really seeking a second opinion here, so I guess my questions are:
1) Does it seem like the caster/camber could be causing the behavior I'm experiencing, or could there be other, more likely causes I should investigate before proceeding?
2) How hard is it to replace ball joints? I'm certainly a beginner home mechanic, but I've had some recent successes doing my own maintainance, and installing exhaust and suspension.
3) By my calculations, I'd save only $25 (before any special tool purchases) if I opted to buy and install the parts myself. Are the mechanic's labor, the shop's warranty, and my time worth what I'd save otherwise?
Thanks!
My CRX has had a little problem with tramlining and a sort of inconsistent erratic or nervous pull to the right. It doesn't correlate to acceleration or braking -- it seems more related to road grooves. The feeling is mildly disconcerting, but tire wear is another concern.
History:
I figured the problem could be resolved with an alignment. I was looking at an upgrade for suspension and wheels/tires, so I decided to wait until everything was in. I've just finished installing everything and I took the car in for an alignment. I got the numbers back yesterday and am a little concerned. The toe was easily adjusted, but caster and camber are off. Most importantly, the problem persists after toe was zeroed out. Due to some sort of miscommunication, they only did a Front End Alignment, but they also found that the rear had some issues:
[CASTER]
Left:3.40* Right:2.59*
[FRONT CAMBER]
Left:-1.28* Right:-0.74*
[REAR THRUST ANGLE]
Angle:0.11
Proposed Solution:
The shop's recommendation was to install SPC adjustable ball joints in order to adjust caster/camber, and the mechanic said the RTA would be an easy fix.
Opinions?:
I suppose I'm really seeking a second opinion here, so I guess my questions are:
1) Does it seem like the caster/camber could be causing the behavior I'm experiencing, or could there be other, more likely causes I should investigate before proceeding?
2) How hard is it to replace ball joints? I'm certainly a beginner home mechanic, but I've had some recent successes doing my own maintainance, and installing exhaust and suspension.
3) By my calculations, I'd save only $25 (before any special tool purchases) if I opted to buy and install the parts myself. Are the mechanic's labor, the shop's warranty, and my time worth what I'd save otherwise?
Thanks!
