Struts (Page 1/2)
creaky78 JUN 22, 10:59 AM
I have been shopping for a while now for a good deal on struts for my '87 GT. Finally scored a pair of NOS Gabriel G67512s on fleabay for $63 free shipping. They are still being advertised if anyone is interested.
creaky78 JUN 23, 09:23 PM
I installed the struts today and ran into a totally unexpected outcome. When I bolted everything up, the wheels were towed out 1". I am at a complete loss as to why this happened in light of the fact that the wheels were in alignment before disassembly. Can someone shed some light on why this might have happened?
wftb JUN 23, 09:41 PM
Are the wheels toed out or tilted out ie positive camber at the top? There is a camber adjustment at the lower kuckle bolts and at the top but the only toe adjustment is by the toe link that runs to the frame. Replacing struts always requires an alignment so nothing will be right at this point.
creaky78 JUN 23, 10:13 PM
They were towed out. I corrected it by adjusting the tie rods, camber was close, adjusted that also. I have installed plenty of struts, never ran into this situation before.
rubyredfiero JUN 24, 09:55 AM
Here's my 2c. If prior to replacing the struts toe was good, then the tie rods should NOT have been adjusted. If the tie rods were to be left alone, pushing the top of the tire inward for more neg camber would result in additional toe-in. Pulling the top of the tire out for more pos camber would result in additional toe out. So if the spindles and tie rods were left in place when the old struts were removed, then setting the camber to replicate what it was should have resulted in the proper toe. Unless I'm missing something, I can't see how you ended up with a 1" toe-out. My comment does not insinuate any harm to your ability, it's just confuses my understanding of suspension geometry. Only been doing it for 50 yrs, so I claim dementia as my excuse. Glad you got it sorted out.
creaky78 JUN 24, 10:04 AM
No one could be confused than I am about this, I am at this point completely baffled. Sure hope someone can ring in with an explanation.
fierosound JUN 24, 10:23 AM

quote
Originally posted by creaky78:

Can someone shed some light on why this might have happened?



This is not like replacing only the front shocks.
It is impossible to install new struts on the Fiero and have the alignment dead on where it was before.

You need an alignment now.

------------------
My World of Wheels Winners (Click on links below)

3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

creaky78 JUN 24, 12:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by fierosound:


This is not like replacing only the front shocks.
It is impossible to install new struts on the Fiero and have the alignment dead on where it was before.

You need an alignment now.





I am well aware that an alignment is necessary. As I stated earlier, I have installed quite a few struts and the results have been that alignment is close enough to get the vehicle to an alignment shop. Guess the Fiero, as in many other respects, is a different animal. Thanks for the replies.

fierosound JUN 24, 02:40 PM

quote
Originally posted by creaky78:

Guess the Fiero, as in many other respects, is a different animal. Thanks for the replies.



Just saying we've all be there.
The lower camber bolt adjusts (or messes up) everything.

You can really see this with the offset camber adjusting bolts.
I'll have the car on ground as I turn these to eyeball the wheel and both camber and toe will move.
http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/000028.html

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 06-24-2020).]

Dave E Bouy JUN 24, 08:32 PM

quote
Originally posted by rubyredfiero:

Here's my 2c. If prior to replacing the struts toe was good, then the tie rods should NOT have been adjusted. If the tie rods were to be left alone, pushing the top of the tire inward for more neg camber would result in additional toe-in. Pulling the top of the tire out for more pos camber would result in additional toe out. So if the spindles and tie rods were left in place when the old struts were removed, then setting the camber to replicate what it was should have resulted in the proper toe. Unless I'm missing something, I can't see how you ended up with a 1" toe-out. My comment does not insinuate any harm to your ability, it's just confuses my understanding of suspension geometry. Only been doing it for 50 yrs, so I claim dementia as my excuse. Glad you got it sorted out.



Holy smokes! Oscar? Nice to see you still hang out here once in a while!