Tokico HP - Alignment?
02-20-2012, 06:29 PM
#1
Tokico HP - Alignment?
Alright well after fixing the CV Joint recently the alignment was off. So no biggie I sent it to AAA to get the alignment done, soon after I drop it off mechanic there tell me he can't align it because there is 2inches of play for the whole passenger side shock - it wasn't installed/mounted properly he said?
I was thinking "Oh that explains for the creaking noise all the time every time I hit a bump," so I called up my mechanic to check it out, drop it off and NOW he tells me that the shock, 1 year since he installed them, was too short or not fit for the vehicle and now I have to live with terrible alignment.
WTH? When I put these on with the Eibachs the alignment was just a tad bit off with the axel fine. With the installation of a new axle how does a shock spontaneously not become fit for the maxima or malfunction?
I ordered these from JM Auto Racing, PRETTY SURE they were made for the maxima. Did someone screw up installation or are these shocks really not for the maxima which makes NO SENSE
Pretty upset with myself and especially with the car since I have dumped in a RIDICULOUS amount of money for maintenance these past 6 months and am on the verge of just selling it
I was thinking "Oh that explains for the creaking noise all the time every time I hit a bump," so I called up my mechanic to check it out, drop it off and NOW he tells me that the shock, 1 year since he installed them, was too short or not fit for the vehicle and now I have to live with terrible alignment.
WTH? When I put these on with the Eibachs the alignment was just a tad bit off with the axel fine. With the installation of a new axle how does a shock spontaneously not become fit for the maxima or malfunction?
I ordered these from JM Auto Racing, PRETTY SURE they were made for the maxima. Did someone screw up installation or are these shocks really not for the maxima which makes NO SENSE
Pretty upset with myself and especially with the car since I have dumped in a RIDICULOUS amount of money for maintenance these past 6 months and am on the verge of just selling it
Last edited by D I R T Y I 3 0; 02-20-2012 at 06:34 PM.
02-20-2012, 08:02 PM
#2
Alright well after fixing the CV Joint recently the alignment was off. So no biggie I sent it to AAA to get the alignment done, soon after I drop it off mechanic there tell me he can't align it because there is 2inches of play for the whole passenger side shock - it wasn't installed/mounted properly he said?
First, try to clarify what the mechanic said. How does the strut not fit correctly? Then, verify you have the correct part installed. (check the model number on the strut) According to Tokico's website the correct part# for the front passenger strut is HB3102.
02-20-2012, 08:28 PM
#3
You mean strut, right?
First, try to clarify what the mechanic said. How does the strut not fit correctly? Then, verify you have the correct part installed. (check the model number on the strut) According to Tokico's website the correct part# for the front passenger strut is HB3102.
First, try to clarify what the mechanic said. How does the strut not fit correctly? Then, verify you have the correct part installed. (check the model number on the strut) According to Tokico's website the correct part# for the front passenger strut is HB3102.
Well, my parents told me, since they drive it and I'm at school, that the mechanic said the part was not made/sized for the car. This is apparently what he told them, but I think I will give him a call in the days to come.
I still have the receipt of the parts I purchased, and the parts were:
"95-3/99 Full Set #HB3102, #HB3103, 2x #HU2905"
I have a feeling someone messed up the installation of the strut. So this is a factor in bad alignment?
02-20-2012, 08:41 PM
#4
Yes sir, I meant strut.
Well, my parents told me, since they drive it and I'm at school, that the mechanic said the part was not made/sized for the car. This is apparently what he told them, but I think I will give him a call in the days to come.
I still have the receipt of the parts I purchased, and the parts were:
"95-3/99 Full Set #HB3102, #HB3103, 2x #HU2905"
I have a feeling someone messed up the installation of the strut. So this is a factor in bad alignment?
Well, my parents told me, since they drive it and I'm at school, that the mechanic said the part was not made/sized for the car. This is apparently what he told them, but I think I will give him a call in the days to come.
I still have the receipt of the parts I purchased, and the parts were:
"95-3/99 Full Set #HB3102, #HB3103, 2x #HU2905"
I have a feeling someone messed up the installation of the strut. So this is a factor in bad alignment?
A: The strut is the wrong part, which you'll have to take up with JM Auto Racing.
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
C: Your mechanic is a liar, and just trying to rip you off.
02-20-2012, 09:24 PM
#6
Either,
A: The strut is the wrong part, which you'll have to take up with JM Auto Racing.
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
C: Your mechanic is a liar, and just trying to rip you off.
A: The strut is the wrong part, which you'll have to take up with JM Auto Racing.
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
C: Your mechanic is a liar, and just trying to rip you off.
Agreed, mechanics you really got to find a good one, some are just grimmy.
02-22-2012, 06:28 PM
#7
Well I called the dude at AAA said the amount of play in the shock was an indication that it was installed incorrectly. I'm pretty sure I didn't get the wrong part, I just pulled out the receipt and the part#s matched up.
My mechanic is pretty reliable, and I don't think I background story is necessary. Actually, I'm sure he's getting sick of seeing my car every week smh. Inconvenient that he lives 30 minutes away but he gives us good deals compared to other people
Thinking about it now, when I installed the Eibach Springs on stock struts there was a creaking sound that would occur every time the strut compressed. Still occurs with the Tokicos. Could this be bushings or other worn out suspension components? this is only from the from right passenger strut - the precise one I am having trouble with
My mechanic is pretty reliable, and I don't think I background story is necessary. Actually, I'm sure he's getting sick of seeing my car every week smh. Inconvenient that he lives 30 minutes away but he gives us good deals compared to other people
Thinking about it now, when I installed the Eibach Springs on stock struts there was a creaking sound that would occur every time the strut compressed. Still occurs with the Tokicos. Could this be bushings or other worn out suspension components? this is only from the from right passenger strut - the precise one I am having trouble with
Last edited by D I R T Y I 3 0; 02-22-2012 at 06:32 PM.
02-23-2012, 05:33 AM
#8
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A strut in itself doesn't become lose per say. Either it's mounting bolts have backed out, which is easy to see or the upper mount has worn out. If the strut has any play internally and the shaft moves, it's totally failed and you'd feel that!
The statement of it being to short is either a complete misunderstanding or the mechanic not knowing that the vehicle is equipped with sport lowering springs. If the strut itself was misfit it most likely would not have bolted up into the vehicle and the lower spring perch would be rubbing against the tire.
None of what is being said about the vehicles alignment, front end, just doesn't make any sense.
Get the vehicle back and try to determine what if anything is wrong.
Have another shop look at the front end, attempt an alignment or verify what if anything might be wrong with it.
The statement of it being to short is either a complete misunderstanding or the mechanic not knowing that the vehicle is equipped with sport lowering springs. If the strut itself was misfit it most likely would not have bolted up into the vehicle and the lower spring perch would be rubbing against the tire.
None of what is being said about the vehicles alignment, front end, just doesn't make any sense.
Get the vehicle back and try to determine what if anything is wrong.
Have another shop look at the front end, attempt an alignment or verify what if anything might be wrong with it.
02-23-2012, 07:40 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Worcester, MA
Posts: 4,011
A strut in itself doesn't become lose per say. Either it's mounting bolts have backed out, which is easy to see or the upper mount has worn out. If the strut has any play internally and the shaft moves, it's totally failed and you'd feel that!
The statement of it being to short is either a complete misunderstanding or the mechanic not knowing that the vehicle is equipped with sport lowering springs. If the strut itself was misfit it most likely would not have bolted up into the vehicle and the lower spring perch would be rubbing against the tire.
None of what is being said about the vehicles alignment, front end, just doesn't make any sense.
Get the vehicle back and try to determine what if anything is wrong.
Have another shop look at the front end, attempt an alignment or verify what if anything might be wrong with it.
The statement of it being to short is either a complete misunderstanding or the mechanic not knowing that the vehicle is equipped with sport lowering springs. If the strut itself was misfit it most likely would not have bolted up into the vehicle and the lower spring perch would be rubbing against the tire.
None of what is being said about the vehicles alignment, front end, just doesn't make any sense.
Get the vehicle back and try to determine what if anything is wrong.
Have another shop look at the front end, attempt an alignment or verify what if anything might be wrong with it.
Agree with NJ.
If the strut wasnt made for the vehicle then it would not have bolted up correctly.
THis is an confusing issue. I dont understand what ur mech means by 2 inches of play. The strut can only move up and down. If it is moving laterally, then its completely fubar'd. OR he doesnt understand its on lowering springs. But then why would there be 2 inches of play if all 4 sides have the same lowering springs???
Get the car back and inspect it yourself. Get a second opinion
02-23-2012, 08:24 AM
#10
Either,
A: The strut is the wrong part, which you'll have to take up with JM Auto Racing.
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
C: Your mechanic is a liar, and just trying to rip you off.
A: The strut is the wrong part, which you'll have to take up with JM Auto Racing.
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
C: Your mechanic is a liar, and just trying to rip you off.
The POS mechanic didn't install the top hat facing the right way. The top hat has an indication on it of which way is supposed to face "out" since the struts do not sit straight up and down but on an angle (basic suspension geometry). When I went to get an alignment some time after purchasing tie rods, ball joints, etc at another shop the same thing happened, they couldn't do an alignment because the strut was off. They pulled the strut to find the top hat facing the wrong way, because of this the mount was also destroyed after only a couple thousand miles of driving. I had also been hearing noises and thought it was my tie rods since the first POS mechanic had replaced the mounts but it turned out it was the mounts. This is the exact reason that now I do all my own work, I have since purchased all the tools necessary for suspension installs and refuse to take it to anyone other then the alignment shop my neighbor works at.
That's also the reason the POS mechanic is saying the strut is too short because with the top hat facing the wrong way it pulls the strut inward almost making it impossible to bolt onto the knuckle, but of course a moron would force it.
Last edited by 2000_MAXIMA_KING; 02-23-2012 at 08:28 AM.
02-23-2012, 11:31 AM
#12
Member who somehow became The President of The SE-L Club
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Posts: 16,033
Either,
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
B: The strut is installed incorrectly, which is pretty hard to do. More likely the strut mount is not installed correctly, or the wrong part. The strut mount has an arrow on it and it has to be installed the right way or the alignment will most certainly be off. (That's what I think is going on) or...
The upper spring perch, which rotates on the strut bearing under the mount has the word "OUT" stamped on top of it. That must be in line with the struts lower mounting flange and face outwards to the fender. It will have no effect on the alignment if it's installed incorrectly, but it will cause the spring to shift slightly causing noises (pops) when the steering is turned. A common error I've corrected on many DIY suspension installs.
02-23-2012, 01:55 PM
#14
02-23-2012, 02:02 PM
#15
thats a strange story there. In reality the 4th gen/i30 cant get to far out of allignment anyways. Is it terrible like uneven tread wear? In that case I would look towards other components. 2in of strut travel sounds like alot to me lol
02-23-2012, 02:14 PM
#16
I've been eager to do all my own maintenance so I don't have to put up with this ish and dish out money. I have no tools though. Literally - 1 socket wrench, a 3 inch extension, only around 12 sockets for it, and a handful of random wrenches and screwdrivers
and my hopes and dreams
Last edited by D I R T Y I 3 0; 02-23-2012 at 02:48 PM.
02-23-2012, 02:29 PM
#17
I would take it to a specialist on alignment. Lucky I have one here in atlanta and i'm sure you have one up there. They can tell you better about your suspension and what all needs to be done and they understand lowering and the performance side of over simple OEM set-ups. Really I would change out some of you bushings. After I put on the GC's, I took it to my shop and they said I didnt even need an allignment and some people swear by needing one after such changes. Or cars only have toe allignment and if its a little off it really doesn't matter, coming from the shop. I dont think you have much of a problem other than some strut components that are worn or bad. You can take it off yourself with a visegrip and some sockets and check it out. IIRC all you need is a 14mm,17mm and 19mm
02-23-2012, 08:12 PM
#18
There is no arrow on the strut mount. The 3 studs on the mount are offset and will only allow it to be installed one way.
The upper spring perch, which rotates on the strut bearing under the mount has the word "OUT" stamped on top of it. That must be in line with the struts lower mounting flange and face outwards to the fender. It will have no effect on the alignment if it's installed incorrectly, but it will cause the spring to shift slightly causing noises (pops) when the steering is turned. A common error I've corrected on many DIY suspension installs.
derrrrrpI meant the upper spring perch. Honestly, I wasn't 100% sure if that would throw off the alignment, as I've never installed it incorrectly. But I knew it was something that could be done wrong. Oh well...
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