4 wheel alignment

[Street]

Can you guys educate me on the benefit/need for 4 wheel alignment on an E85/6 with a standard rear subframe setup.

The front alignment I understand with tie rod and camber adjustment. However what adjustment can be made on the rear?

I don’t have adjustable rear camber arms. So is paying for a 4 wheel alignment unnecessary when front only would do??

Cheers all

 

[plenty]

Toe is adjusted by loosening the three bolts that attach the trailing arm to the chassis, while camber adjustment is available via an eccentric bolt that connects the rear control arm to the trailing arm.

 

[Street]

Toe is adjusted by loosening the three bolts that attach the trailing arm to the chassis, while camber adjustment is available via an eccentric bolt that connects the rear control arm to the trailing arm.

Makes perfect sence now you've said it! I'll have a look for that eccentric bolt

 

[plenty]

The eccentric bolts are known to seize so spray on some WD-40 or Plus Gas before attempting to turn. And probably worth having a couple on hand in case they shear. Part 33303411801

 

[B21]

I would think most cars after a few years would benefit from a full alignment..both my E89s were quite badly out (when stock)..

 

[smorris_12]

For years I've done 4 wheel toe alignments on my E46 with 2 bits of fishing line and made a far better job of it than a couple of garages!

 

[B21]

For years I've done 4 wheel toe alignments on my E46 with 2 bits of fishing line and made a far better job of it than a couple of garages!

I used an iPhone and a spirit level to pretty good effect…was about a degree out on the camber compared to the super duper alignment system..

Toe is more tricky…

 

[smorris_12]

Two bits of parallel string set off from the hubs by amounts that take into account the differences in track/wheel offset and a ruler to measure from string to front & rear of the alloy. Shove the measurements into a handy online thing that I found (and always forget to bookmark) and it tells you the toe.

Far better than the garage that wouldn't listen to me tell them that the E46 wheels weren't standard and were staggered and then proceeded to adjust the rear left to point at the front right and tell me there was something wrong with the car as they needed to still adjust it further inwards.