Question: Over the weekend I replaced my stock springs with Tein S-Techs and noticed that the rear lower link bolt on the axle had a guage on the washer. I didn't see it when I took it off but I noticed it when putting them on of course didn't see where it should have been set. I would imagine this is a camber setting so I set it at about -1 degree which is what the camber specs in the service manual state it should be. Anyone know about this and if that is what the proper setting should be?? The service manual left that bit of detail out!!!

Also, the service manual states to replace all the suspension nuts with new ones when removing. I see that Tein says to replace the nut on the top of the coilovers as well. Anyone do this? They have 15k miles on them but I thought it was a bit excessive to replace all the bolts. Anyone have advice on that???

Thanks!

 

you should get an alignment just to be sure.

you can re-use the nuts (at your risk). i reuse the nuts on mine
not only on this car but previous cars without any issues.

on some nuts there is a locking feature. those are one time use only
unless you want to put some threadloc (blue) on it.

 

Don't bother with the markings on the washer. Get the car aligned and let the alignment shop set it where it should be. Those marks were for your car when it was at stock height. If you are fortunate, you may be able to get the alignment withing specs on the S-techs.

 

Thanks, taking it back to the dealer to have it checked out. I can definitely tell the camber is out of whack. Too much negative camber, not only can you see it but you can tell from the temperature of the tires. Getting a 10 degree difference between the inside and the outside! Don't trust it to be there when I lean on it in a turn, that's for sure.

 

Took it back to the dealer and they were able to get it within specs but barely.

Camber before:

Front: 1.8
Rear: 2.3 !!

Camber after

Front: 1.9
Rear: 1.9

1.9 is on the edge of the specs (highest recommended camber) in order for me to get it to the targeted 1.5 and keep the inside edges of my tires from wearing I'll have to purchase a front and rear camber kit. From Stillen it's $$$ but I understand that there are alternatives out there for cheaper $$'s. Further evidence that once you start modifications there isn't an END!

 

You have to pay if you want to play the lowering game. Nothing is free.

There are other excellent and less expensive alternatives to the stillen upper control arms - SPC, Cusco, SPL. For the rear camber, I recommend SPC camber arms and toe bolts. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, simple to adjust, and all but bulletproof.

 

You want to do/spend what ever is necessary to reach the MIDPOINT of the specs as on the ragged edge will just get worse [quickly] as the forces deform the rubber bushings.