Trying to get a handle on camber adjustment

[rustytruck50]

I noticed a couple of days after I got my '05 Sierra home, that the RF tire sits out a bit at the top. I've been watching some videos to see how to fix this. How do you know when you need the offset upper control arm bushings and special cams & bolts? Is it strictly for lowering? I did notice that at some time in the trucks past, that it had some minor damage on the rh side. Seems to drive fairly straight and the alignment guy at work said all was within specs...unfortunately not so sure about that.

[AussieinNC]

The text at this link gives a simple explanation of Caster, Camber....

https://explorationoutfitters.com/pa...0is%20positive.

"All within specs"...get a new alignment shop...if one side looks distinctly different from the other there is obviously something not right.

Here are the true GM Specs

Left Front

Camber = .5 degrees to -.7 degrees

Caster = 4.7 degrees to 2.7 degrees

Toe = -.05 degrees to .15 degrees



Right Front

Camber = -.7 degrees to .5 degrees

Caster = 2.4 degrees to 4.4 degrees

Toe = .15 degrees to -.05 degrees

[rustytruck50]

I definitely appreciate that info...I'm considering trying to adjust myself and go outside of my dealership for alignment firming up. I have a suspicion that it has to do with a employee with a 15 year old truck, if you know what I mean.

[AussieinNC]

Re 15 year old truck and modern shops...sad but so true...total lack of skills in most shops I have seen of late.

Before you get a new alignment or try and change it yourself...best practice is to fully check all suspension components...

Upper and lower ball joints

Steering joints

Suspension pivot bushes

Pitman and idler arm bushes and joints

Shock bushes,,( does your have the rattle left front when going slow over small bumps?) Shock mount bushes....

Steering joints etc....

If you suspect the vehicle has had damage to the right front, the chassis pount points for the suspension pieces may be out of design limits...

Does this vehicle chop up front tires?

[rustytruck50]

Very good point on the full check up...I haven't had a chance to check those pieces, but I'm very interested in finding out what kind of shape they're in. Tire wear seems to be confined to the outer area of the right front, which is tilted out at the top. The wear seems to be uniform and not choppy.

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Very good point on the full check up...I haven't had a chance to check those pieces, but I'm very interested in finding out what kind of shape they're in. Tire wear seems to be confined to the outer area of the right front, which is tilted out at the top. The wear seems to be uniform and not choppy.

Yep, common sense tells the story....tire tilted out at top means it is going to wear out the outer edge of the tire...."But the settings are all within spec"...yeah right !

[hatzie]

I get a before and after printout from the alignment machine or I don't pay for the job.
I make this very clear when I drop off for the work.

I've had a couple shops balk at those terms. I walked right back out the door. I'm not required to take it to those shops and I'm not shy about telling friends and family that I don't trust them.

[1967GTO]

I will always spray the inner and outer areas of the upper control arms with GM Superlube so the adjusters will move easier. You have to be careful or the adjusters will round out. Alignments are not hard with the computerized machines they have now. Definitely tell them you want a before and after printout.

[rustytruck50]

Thank you for the great advice...I will definitely act upon!!!!