ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

Hi, I need help pinpointing a possible bent component. I went to get an alignment and the results are as shown. After researching on SAI's I think something is bent on the passenger side. I did a quick measurement but couldn't figure out what is wrong. I have SPL front upper arms that's why the camber is able to be set at -3 degrees. From researching I seem to have narrowed it down to the spindle knuckle or the compression arm, but would a bent spindle knuckle or a bent compression arm more likely to cause the 9 degrees of SAI on the passenger side? Is there anything else that would be the culprit? I have the SPL compression bushing on the arm as well so I don't think it's a bushing problem. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Eric

nizmo_0385

iTrader: (5)

Aftermarket steering wheel?

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

Stock.

mr.badratchet

I'm likely looking at a similar issue with my '04. I have serious negative camber on the right front, and already changed the steering knuckle to no avail. I also discovered that the PO replaced the forward lower control arm (transverse link) with one for a 2005. The ball joint stud doesn't go thru the control arm but just barely enough to get the nut on.
According to Nissan dealer different control arm as well as ball joint for production dates 6/1/02-8/1/04 and 8/1/04-8/1/05.
My understanding of SAI is that it includes camber. so a bent knuckle would change SAI and camber but the camber could be adjusted out with the adjustable upper arms.
I'm going to take mine to a body shop/frame shop to get it figured out and see what they can find. I may still have to replace some parts before I get a good alignment.

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

Thank you. I did a little bit of measuring today and believe my spindle knuckle is bent. But I'm trying to make sense of what was measured. The passenger side spindle knuckle when measured from top to a reference point is shorter than that of the driver side. Not by much. Does it being bent making it a shorter distance explain the 3 degree increase in SAI? I'm not sure if a shorter distance distance would increase or decrease the SAI. I've also read that a bent spindle knuckle would give more camber to the wheel as well but the camber is still the same as before, they didn't touch the camber for this alignment. My car pulls to the right hard even at slow speeds.

mr.badratchet

I dropped of my car at the body shop that does frame straightening and alignments today. I should know more tomorrow and have more insight on what the causes and solutions are for these issues.

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

thank you very much. my compression and control arms aren't bent I think. After some more measuring today I'm pretty sure that it's the spindle knuckle. or it could even be my spl front upper control arm. I'd have to take out the upper control arms and compare the two.

mr.badratchet

Take a look at the chart for SAI on SLA type front ends for trouble shooting. http://www.aligncraft.com/terms/terms.html#Short%20Long
Here's another link to the ASE study guide http://www.freeasestudyguides.com/included-angle.html

I got my car back in a driveable condition now. Frame alignment guy said he thought my car was lowered??? No signs of it that I can see. Springs look original, and no DIY spring chops either. Still have -2.7 camber on pass rear, -2.3 on drivers.
Had 33/64 rear toe out on the drivers side which was told might be bent knuckle. I looked very hard comparing left to right knuckles and saw no difference in measurements. I remedied this by elongating the holes in the end of the spring arm where it connects to the rear knuckle. toe looks pretty good now. Didn't want to go with the defective designed replacement toe bolts for extra adjustment. Which probably would have been enough anyway. Seems like a much simpler and WAY cheaper solution anyway.

Still need to get adjustable front upper arms to correct camber which is +0.8 on L, and -1.5 on R. Doesn't appear to have any bent parts on the front. Once the new parts are on I can take it back for a realign for no extra charge. Only $75 for the alignment at one of the best shops in town Dodson Williams in Springfield, MO

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

Thank you very much. That chart is good information. It does show that its either my spindle knuckle or FUCA. I probably have to take off the FUCA and compare them and if it's not the FUCA then its definitely the spindle knuckle.

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

I just ordered a replacement spindle knuckle. hopefully that will fix the SAI.

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

Welp, it's not the spindle, its the transverse link. Couldn't tell before because both sides are bent similarly. So I am trying to source the transverse links. Does anyone know the interchangeability of the transverse links depending on 350z years and g35 years? I have a 2004 350z. would the transverse links from a 2005 g35 fit?

Thanks.

ericxvo7

iTrader: (2)

well I found this for transverse link compatibility
http://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-s...omparison.html

mr.badratchet

Yes 2004 is the compatibility break based on production date for the transverse link. I wonder if there's a difference in the compression rod as well? Seems pretty unlikely that transverse link can be bent. More likely to have bad bushing which can't be replaced as far as I know. $51+ ship @Rockauto.com

tyau

iTrader: (1)

I do not think that the forged aluminum transverse link or spindle can be bent so much as to affect your alignment this significantly. In the past, I have seen the Infiniti control arm bolts bent out of shape before the bushings even get damaged.

Were you the second owner of the vehicle? Maybe, a big one at that, the previous owner installed alignment correction shims between the wheel hub and the spindle and installed them incorrectly. If I were you, I would buy a pair of cheap aftermarket replacement front upper control arms and start from there.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to install quality Nismo or OEM transverse link bushings just to eliminate them as the cause.