Suspension geometry / alignment check...

[argonaut]

...when is this required?

I upgraded the suspension & wheels on my ('99) 996C4 last year and was wondering whether I should get a full geometry check done for peace of mind?

What problems would I be experiencing if the suspension/ tracking was out of kilter? JZ Machtech told me a check should really be done annually - costs about £250 with them.

Any opinions?

[dontlift]

If suspension geometry or alignment was significantly out of kilter you would probably know about it, understeer / oversteer / pulling to one side or the other either under accel or braking or both etc.

It is good practice to ensure that all your wheels point the same direction etc, but i would suggest is up to you how often you do it, my guess is though that £250 notes is bad for a check of this type - if it is VERY thorough

[22/11/71]

I uprated the suspension on my 996 last year and did not get the tracking/geometry checked. A few thousand miles later I noticed that the inside of the front tyres were scrubbed bald.

I had my local OPC do a 4 wheel geometry check and it was only £70 plus VAT, but it ultimatlry cost me a pair of new front tyres too !!!

so get it done ASAP.

[Buffalo]

...when is this required?


Any opinions?

ANY time you have your suspension changed significantly i.e. refit, or new fit to different spec or whatever, you really ought to get the suspension changed. Lowering may affect camber angles and toe -in etc, all sorts really.

if you had it professionally fitted i am surprised they did not do this for you, or at least tell you to get it done. Even if you don't notice stuff like poor tyre wear, you may potentially be putting yourself at risk.

Case in point: Top Gear last night, with the new jag XKR-R. JC thrashed it round the track and handled like a demon, then they took it away and Jaguar fiddled with it, or something broke, they gave it back to TG for the Stig to drive and it handled like a complete dog.

It really is THAT important IMO

Cheers Buff

[dazren]

456mgt had the full tracking/geometry etc... done on his 911 having recently bought the car, before doing this he was not happy with the handling. Here is his two threads concerning getting the car "right".

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=48&h=&t=30862

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=48&h=&t=32106

DAZ

>> Edited by dazren (moderator) on Monday 2nd June 17:01

[ninemeister]

We do re-alignments all the time, the breakdown is usually:
1. To physically put the kit onto a car and get readings (with clamp on alignment heads) takes around 1/2 hr.
2. To adjust, depending on how far out it was, would then take between 1 & 2 hours
3. To take the kit off and unload the car around 1/4 hr.

So worst case expect a bill for 3 hours labour, for comparison our rate is £45+VAT for alignment work.

[argonaut]

Thanks for all the input folks!!

Will definitely get the geometry checked out ASAP.
9M - will consider your quote as well!

My suspension is the Porsche Tecquipment Sports jobby, fitted by AFN Chiswick, so I'm really surprised no one mentioned getting things checked out after the upgrade!!