"No Camber kit needed then Camber kit needed"

[unbalancedwood]

So i lowered my car, first with stock struts and aftermarket springs. Never had a problem with it except it was a little less stiff then what I was use to. So I bought an allighment package at Merchants Tire, 3 years of unlimited allighments. Took it in, up on the machine, they adjusted whatever they needed too, all good.

Time went by and I decided to get some Tokicos, put them on...deffiently a lot nicer ride. Took it in for the 2nd time to Merchants they get it up on the lift and say "youve had this car lowered cause we cant do an alligment if there have been after market parts put on it"

I answer "yes, it was lowered last time I brought it in, in January"...he was searching for the next words he would say then came up with "well it needs a camber kit, also added in a wheel bearing since one of mine was "loose"

Now I ask you, is he giving me crap since someone noticed it was lowered or is it possible that with the Tokicos I would need a camber kit? It really isnt that big of a deal for me to buy and put on. Which one should I buy, maybe a link

But he wrote me up a ticket for the camber kits
$57 for each side + $40 labor = $97 x 2 = $194

and the loose bearing, I could either do...
$238 for the wheel bearing hub + 152 labor = $390
or
$168 just bearing + 200 labor = $368

Well theres my story at Merchants, what do you think?

[Biggi_e]

if you can buy the stuff you need, buy it. then go to the ford dealership next to montgomery mall in MD. i have 4 friends that are great mechanics that work there. 2 of then been my mechanic guys for about 4-5 yrs now.

[anttarz]

i bought an Eibach camber kit (+-1.75) for $45 shipped for the set... the quote they gave you was way too much

[ThatVietGuy]

Total BS, plain and simple

[JMSinMaryland]

On my Solara TRD suspension I did have a camber kit b/c I was told it was necessary, don't remember where I got it from? Shox.com maybe? On my Camry TRD suspension I was told it was not necessary. I also take my car to Merchant's and also have the package and had them write that they are selling me this package knowing full well that I have 18" wheels and am lowered. The TRD suspension uses the same settings as the stock suspension so they shouldn't give you any hassle. Jon.

[orlin03]

Either BS or the last guy just adjusted your toe and did not adjust your camber... lazy mechanics do this. If your tires wore flat, you're good; if one side or the other is bald instead of the whole thing, you need camber adjustment, and probably need the kit. BTW I've seen the kits go for 25-35 per side; he's trying to make a killing off of you! I'd install the kit plus the alignment at my shop for 150 plus parts (one hour plus 89.95 four-wheel alignment); he's too pricey. Besides, if you need the kit for the front, you probably need it in the back too! As far as wheel bearings, get one with the hub... but he's talking too much labor again; they call for about an hour and a half tops by the book, and most people can do them in half an hour.

[unbalancedwood]

Okay, maybe I do need a camber kit? Im not totally sure, and dont want to wear out my tires that have at least 2 more years.

But how do i know witch way I aim the pos/neg sides if i want to put them in before I go to Merchants again.

And are these good?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAMBER-K ... 0002553971

[orlin03]

Moving the top of the tire IN towards the center of the car (or moving the bottom out) will give you more negative camber, which moves the wear point in from the outside edge of the tire; moving the top of the tire OUT from the car will add positive numbers.If you are parked on level ground, you can check this with a level up against the wheel; tape a 9" torpedo level to a piece of lumber cut to your rim diameter and place it against your rim lip.

BTW I haven't heard of that brand, but that is the type of part you need.