Went to a Maza dealership to have my broken rear springs replaced. After installation and an alingment procedure, i was informed that they could not align to spec especially the camber. Is this normal

Asked by Lonoro Jun 02, 2014 at 03:04 PM about the 2008 Mazda MAZDA3 i Touring

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

After more that a year with a knocking sound in the R rear when travelling over bumps, I finally discovered a broken rear spring was the issue. Bought a new pair and took it to the Mazda dealer to install. They installed it and then told me they could re-align my wheels to spec because they could not adjust the camber and tried to sell me a whole list of parts totaling $1000.I refused to pay for those and questioned why before the work the camber was within specs and now they can't set it back. They blamed Mazda and told me I should take the issue up with them. My question; was this another instance of trying to sell parts that were not really needed. I know my shocks were fine and I did not have any other suspension issues other that the broken coil spring. BTW, my vehicle does not even have 25k miles as yet. my left rear wheel now have a very noticeable neg. camber to it. Please advise...

3 Answers

25,455

Tom is saying that there are shops that SPECIALIZE in alignments and in his (and my) experience that is where you go for alignments.

4 people found this helpful.
1,845

The OE specs are to say the least, generous (R Camber -1.0*- -2.0*,) but it is not that uncommon to have alignment issues. Your best bet is to have adjustable upper rear control arms. Yes they are around $150 for the set, but will solve your camber issues once and for all. I did this, had an independent alignment shop make sure everything was WELL within specs and also similar side-to-side and my tires are much happier with me now. I wish I had known you needed rear springs. In fact a million of us that have installed sport spring could have given you a MUCH, MUCH better deal than any dealer could have. You paid a premium for sure. Don't go back to a dealer unless you absolutely have to. Also avoid the corporate shops (Good Year, Firestone, Midas, Meineke, etc) if you like keeping the money you've earned.

1 people found this helpful.
25,455

Jiffy Lube,Mister Muffler,Canadian Tire (for the Canucks)

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

MAZDA3

Looking for a Used MAZDA3 in your area?

CarGurus has 1,498 nationwide MAZDA3 listings starting at $2,495.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Jimmy Skobyak
    Reputation
    800
  • #2
    Vandura_3644
    Reputation
    790
  • #3
    GuruZ48FP
    Reputation
    540
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,690 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota Corolla
122 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $2,795
Used Mazda MAZDA6
15 Great Deals out of 186 listings starting at $2,850
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212
Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $1,599
Used Hyundai Elantra
161 Great Deals out of 3,498 listings starting at $2,995
Used Lexus IS
18 Great Deals out of 305 listings starting at $6,449
Used Subaru Impreza
28 Great Deals out of 473 listings starting at $3,850
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
26 Great Deals out of 607 listings starting at $4,900
Used Mazda MAZDA3 Sport
21 Great Deals out of 702 listings starting at $3,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.