After Market Rims and Tires messing up alignment?
- Thread starter JFrank
- Start date
I'm thinking the same just need to save up for the part, I wish I got that kids license okay would have saved me a huge headache and money!
Agree that it is not the wheels/tires that're affecting your caster.
First thing first, I'd go get your new wheels/tires balanced since it sounds like they wouldn't even do that. Just to make sure that the wheels aren't out of round or anything crazy - in which case you'd have to send them back anyways, though they still wouldn't be the cause of your alignment issues.
I'm not very familiar with 4Runner suspension yet, but to give it to you basically - caster refers to the relationship between the upper and lower steering mounts that the tire is attached to. In this case, you've got the upper and lower arms attached to the steering knuckle. For positive caster, you need the upper arm mount to be further towards the back of the vehicle relative to the lower arm mount. So if you're not able to get enough caster, that means that either the lower arm is bent backwards (reducing the distance from the lower to upper), or the upper arm is bent forwards (same effect).
Anyways, maybe you could start there for some ideas. Caster is very easy to mess up after a wreck (even a minor one) because these parts can get slightly bent and if the tech isn't looking for it, you won't see it. However, caster usually doesn't affect tire wear nearly as much as out-of-spec camber or toe, so things could be worse.
First thing first, I'd go get your new wheels/tires balanced since it sounds like they wouldn't even do that. Just to make sure that the wheels aren't out of round or anything crazy - in which case you'd have to send them back anyways, though they still wouldn't be the cause of your alignment issues.
I'm not very familiar with 4Runner suspension yet, but to give it to you basically - caster refers to the relationship between the upper and lower steering mounts that the tire is attached to. In this case, you've got the upper and lower arms attached to the steering knuckle. For positive caster, you need the upper arm mount to be further towards the back of the vehicle relative to the lower arm mount. So if you're not able to get enough caster, that means that either the lower arm is bent backwards (reducing the distance from the lower to upper), or the upper arm is bent forwards (same effect).
Anyways, maybe you could start there for some ideas. Caster is very easy to mess up after a wreck (even a minor one) because these parts can get slightly bent and if the tech isn't looking for it, you won't see it. However, caster usually doesn't affect tire wear nearly as much as out-of-spec camber or toe, so things could be worse.
gm350reratliff
New member
I would agree that it seems something is bent on that side. It could be the LCA but I would also take a close look at the steering knuckle. Compare the distance of the tire/wheel to the knuckle on both sides.
fordracing19
New member
Is it 100% stock besides the wheels?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Didn't get notified about your reply (caster is still maxed out and not fixed) Yes everything is stock except the rims, tires and lug nuts.
This is obvious... my problem is no one can tell me what is causing the caster on that side to be maxed out (causing slight pull to the passenger side/vibration) They all said they did not see any visual damage. I went for an alignment adjustment as soon as I got the new wheels and tires, then the SH*T show at Toyota happened. My second opinion said maybe it's the Lower Control Arm and that it's bent so slighty you cant tell? Maybe I should get a 3rd opinion?
I should ask about the steering knuckle next time I'm in the shop... but apparently Toyota took it apart and found nothing wrong.... and they blamed my rims and tires and suggested I purchase factory rims and tires (over $2k) and balance them then put my aftermarket rims and tires on to see if that fixes the issue... but yeah still don't know what is causing the caster to max.
tomcamaro97
New member
ide go somewhere else.. even another dealer maybe
