I installed the A-Spec suspension kit, wheels and body kit. I took the car to a very good alignment shop and they were unable to get the left rear tire within specs. It comes up as -2.1 and they are unable to make it any better without a camber kit!

I called the dealer to ask them if they have seen this and guess what? They don't even do an alignment after installing the kit. The alignment shop does not seem to think that anything is wrong with my installation. I have not had the car checked before because it didn't seem to be a problem and I have had so many sets of tires on the car in a little over a year, that a wear pattern has not become evident.

Question! Has anyone on the forum had their alignment checked after having the A-Spec suspension kit installed and if so what were the specs? My business partner has the same car and kit and his was a little off. They told him it would be alright but mine is far worse (same shop). Anyone?

 

I installed my kit a couple weeks ago -- but I never got my alignment checked. Many dealerships stated that the alignment was not necessary since the change in drop was so small.

 

I put on my A-spec today and as far as I know I did not need an alignment. It wasn't on the invoice...

 

Although this might not be true in all cases, my car most definitely needed an alignment after the A-Spec install. My car was drifting left, and when I had the alignment checked, sure enough it was off.

 

I had my alignment checked immediately after installation.

The rear camber was still in spec (but barely). There was
an out of spec toe on the right front tire.

I don't really expect all new cars to be within spec on delivery

Jerry

 

Just an FYI... My car was pulling left before A-SPEC install. I had the alignment checked and it was in Spec. I had the A-Spec installed today and it is no longer pulling. No alignment done that I am aware of. The installer said they would check it and do it if necessary, however, I was not billed for an alignment on the invoice.

 

No problems here. Others have posted problems with rear tire wear with stock suspension. There could be a relationship.

 

Thanks guys! The out of spec alignment will most definitely cause premature rear tire wear. It will also negatively impact handling when the car is pushed hard. My alignment shop said most people would not notice but then they know me better. I don't want to burn through left side tires. Any time a car is dropped the alignment should be checked. I have an appointment on Wednesday of next week when they will check it out and we will see what happens. Honestly I have had many new cars in the last few years and grow tired of bringing this one in for minor BS. It may be time for a change! Thanks.

 

I had a very serious alignment issue when I took delivery of the car (04 6MT A-Spec). I took the car to the dealer 5 times to have them correct the issue. Each time they stated it was fixed...whatever. On the fifth after picking up my car and verifying that the issue was still present, I asked the service manager to accompany me on a drive. I demonstrated to him how on the highway when I took my hand off of the steering wheel the car would literally change lanes (I am not exaggerating). I asked if this was a new feature (i.e the Acura handsfree lane change system)!? I asked if the alignment machine had been checked recently, as each time I come in I am told that the car is well within spec. My final question was in regards to why the technician who test drove the car could not detect the problem!? I drove myself to work (with the service manager in the car) and stated that they had 2 options. The first option was to take the car and get it fixed PROPERLY (in spec or not), or alternatively the second option was to have a nice fat check waiting for me at the dealership (i.e. they buy the car back). I handed him the keys and wished him luck!

Magically when I went to the dealership the car was fixed!!

 

I noticed when I had my 18" Aspec rims installed that the car was more susceptible to "self steer" on the highway due to road crown. When driving on the left side of the crowd .. it'd veer to the left, and vice versa on the right. I almost felt at times that I had a serious alignment issue, but when I drove on flat roads, it was straight as an arrow.

With the installation of my suspension, it seems the car wants to drive straighter than ever now.