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...

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chassy answered 10 years ago

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

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Richard answered 10 years ago

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.

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chassy answered 10 years ago

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

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