SpecR1

Hey all I'm new to the forum and I have a few questions. I did a search but I didn't find the answers I was looking for.

Basically I just got a wheel alignment done today. First thing I noticed is that the job sheet says the settings was for a 2003 3.2TL excluding Type-S. Well I have a Type-S. I asked the mechanic and he says that the 3.2TL Type-S uses the same settings as 3.2TL and it only says that because their computers are crappy. Is this true?

Second thing is on the sheet it gave a specific range for the left front caster which is 1.8 to 3.8 but he set mine to 4.1. He says its not a big deal. Should I be worried about this?

Third is that. I was wondering if anyone has or knows where I can find the wheel alignment range values for the 2003 Acura 3.2TL and the TL Type-S. So I can compare the values he set to my car.

Thanks

01tl4tl

He didnt SET the caster- you cannot do any adjustment on a stock TL except the TOE on each wheel. Its way past limit for no stated reason-

If you are out of spec on caster something is wrong in the front end
Have you been in an accident or hit the curb realllllly hard?

what did the toe come out to?

SpecR1

Left Front Toe
Actual: 0.1°
Specified Range: -0.08° 0.08°

Right Front Toe
Actual: 0.02°
Specified Range: -0.08° 0.08°

Front Total Toe
Actual: 0.03°
Specified Range: -0.16° 0.16°

Left Rear Toe
Actual: 0.1°
Specified Range: -1.0° 0.0°

Right Rear Toe
Actual: -0.1°
Specified Range: -1.0° 0.0°

Rear Total Toe
Actual: 0.23Specified Range: -1.0° 0.0°
Specified Range: 0.00° 0.32°

Not sure if the car has hit a curb, we bought the car used and the previous owner might have left that out

Anyways having the caster at that degree is it serious or should I try to get it fixed? Is it fixable?

01tl4tl

caster is an imaginary vertical line the wheel centerline/angle is in front or behind of.
Fixing would require parts that are bent to be replaced. If the shop didnt spot anything bad- just run it as is, wont kill the tires and if you think it handles fine- all is well

Its easy with the long hidden nose on these cars to get it on a parking barrier or shopping center curb (lowered cars beware!!)

My wife came home one day after the Teins went on and said:
the car get longer

at least thats better than the last car- which she brought home 2 feet shorter!

SpecR1

I just realized that my Left Rear Toe setting isn't within the specified range by 1��°
think that will affect anything?

Lol what was your previous car?

Anyways thanks for all your help so far

FirePR2002

My right rear is out of spec range by about1 degree. Run with it - no worries.

01tl4tl

its only .1 of a degree positive camber- not going to hurt anything but indicative of prior accident damage.

Many of us with lowered cars are at `1.2-1.5 negative camber in the rear with no tire issues

SpecR1

Ic, thanks.
Does anyone have the specified range values for their wheel alignments handy?

01tl4tl

1999-2003 TL says except type S, but there was no type S in 99-01
These are the numbers from the Hunter machine with the electronics and lasers and stuff
used on my car recently
Specs:

front camber: -1.0 to +1.0 rear camber -1.0 to 0.0
caster +1.8 to +3.8 rear Toe 0.00 to 0.16
TOE- -0.08 to +0.08

for thrust 4 wheel alignment
Front total Toe -0.16 to 0.16
Rear total Toe 0.00 to 0.32

SpecR1

thanks, exactly what my specified ranges were. I was just worried because of the "except Type-S" thing. But if you guys say its fine then I'm satisfied.

Thanks again

SpecR1

O another thing, just noticed this on the alignment sheet. At the bottom it says
"The steering wheel was not level before the alignment" does that mean anything. is it significant?

thanks