tclavell

I recently got new wheels and tires installed on my TL Type S ( Stern ST-1 Gloss Black; 19x8.5; 245/35/19 +38). I noticed some negative camber and took it to the dealer hoping they could fix it with an alignment. They said that they couldn't. Now I have just ordered a rear camber kit and will have it installed on Saturday.

Has anyone had to place a camber kit on a TL that has not had any suspension changes done?

The good news is that, now that I am going to put a camber kit on, I can get the Tein Springs I want

Just a curious question and I would like to hear everyones thoughts.

Bearcat94

^^

Hmmm. Had you read this Sticky before deciding?

Do I need a camber kit?

rodneyc77

iTrader: (1)

as long as the TOE is set at Zero... the minimal increase of negative camber should affect the tire wear... I've been rolling with over 2 degrees of camber for a couple of years with no signicant adverse tire wear problems...

YES... I have a camber kit installed FRONT & REAR... I just love the way the car handles with the extra camber... personal preference...

Bearcat94

Isn't this what you meant?

tclavell

Rodney.... is your car lowered? I am no expert in suspension or camber, I just noticed that the passenger side rear is heavily leaning on the inside of the tire. I trust the dealer that he is telling me there is nothing they can do to fix it, besides adding a camber kit.

I do not want to take a chance of having to buy new tires in a couple months so a camber kit seems to be the best bet from what the dealer is telling me.

I appreciate your feedback, i'm new to all of this camber, suspension, wheels, tires thing.... but I love my TL

tclavell

I did read the article, I was just kind of stunned when I found out with just adding wheels and tires, I would have this much of an issue with negative camber.

Bearcat94

I didn't realize you had 1 side that was way different from the other.

I just saw another post with the same issue (maybe one of your posts??). Mr Heel Toe and another responder said get the Toe Alignment and the issue should go away. Here's the link to that thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172441

(Wasn't trying to be an ass before, I just read your post as wanting a Camber Kit to get back "in spec" for Camber. That's why I posted the link to Mr Heel Toe's article).

tclavell

No offense taken and I really appreciate the knowledge you and this forum bring.

rodneyc77

iTrader: (1)

YES... thanks... that's why you're the man...

chill_dog

I don't see how the camber would be affected by just putting on wheels...sounds like horse$hit to me.

260 HP

iTrader: (3)

I second chill_dog. New wheels and/or tires won't change your camber, toe, or caster setting AT ALL.

In fact, you SHOULD see some rear negative camber because it's the factory setting (between -0.5 and -1.5 deg, I believe). If you don't, then something is wrong.

tclavell

I agree, just putting wheels on, I thought, would not affect camber, but on one wheel (passenger rear) it is very noticeable. I'm frustrated, but I have to fix it.

260 HP

iTrader: (3)

tclavell, check your alignment first before installing the camber kits or trying to fix it. If the numbers are within spec, leave it alone. If not, and your car isn't lowered or otherwise modified, then it's dealer time.

tclavell

I took it to the dealer yesterday, my service adviser came back after about 20 minutes and said that an alignment would not fix it, I need a camber kit.

The kit will be here tomorrow, do you suggest getting a second opinion from someone else? The benefit with going to the dealer is that I can get the alignment for free since I have less than 12K miles on it.

chill_dog

This is exactly what to do. Given what you've said, I'd have the alignment checked at an independent location. Let me guess, the dealer is installing the camber kit?

tclavell

yes, the dealer is installing the camber kit... for free!

So, am I really losing anything by putting it on regardless of whether it's actually needed or not?

260 HP

iTrader: (3)

Do get a second (and third) opinion from a good alignment shop. Sears, Firestone, or other chain stores are good choices.

If the numbers are NOT within spec, the dealer should be able to fix it. Not by regular alignment, but by shifting the subframe.

If it were me, I'd bring it up high in the food chain if my stock unmolested car can't be aligned to factory specs. Something might be wrong and not noticed when the car left the assembly plant. A stock new car should NOT need camber kits.

tclavell

I agree 100%, i'm at work now, but will be taking the car to another shop for a second opinion.

THTL

iTrader: (2)

i am running 235/35/19 and lowered on Tein SS(1 finger gap). I didn't need a camber kit. I just get an alignment.

tclavell

I just got off the phone with the dealership.... They said yesterday when the alignment was done, everything was "in the green", alignment is perfect. He's just worried about the negative camber and thinks it will wear through tires quickly.

He said because of the size of the tires and wheels I put on the car, the weight of them caused the car to camber....

Thoughts??

Bearcat94

Those're my thoughts. That just doesn't make sense. Maybe he's trying to say something that *does* make sense, but it ain't coming out right.

tclavell

it's almost comical, isn't it!!

260 HP

iTrader: (3)

If the tech is worried about the negative camber, he needs to go to the Honda training classes once again! He should know that EVERY Honda vehicle has rear negative camber from the factory and it's on the alignment spec, too.

If everything "is in the green" without the camber kit, don't worry about it. Don't fix it if it's not broken. Either return the camber kit or you can sell it in the Black Market forum.

tclavell

Thank you for your input.... I knew I could get the right answer here

This forum is fantastic!

BLACKURA_NY

iTrader: (6)

FYI, i had a regular TL, and a TL-S.. i noticed right away (@ stock heights) that the TL-S has some slight negative camber..... (might have something to do with the different suspension on the TL-S)

i brought it to Acura just to double check, they said all the #'s were up to par and the car was fine. They couldnt explain why it appeared to have rear camber, but i took their word that the #'s were fine....

trancemission

now that I would have to see.

I have koni's and H&R and my camber in the back was way negative