Hurt my Jetta last night 😟
- Thread starter 2004LB7
- Start date
Whats the sub frame like on these? bolts through bolted to the body? If so, the subframe could have shifted and thats generally looked at and/or adjusted on an alignment rack
Yes. Through bolted to the body. It's used for camber mostly and if pushed forward or back a little caster. But really you might get 1 degree. Adjusting camber will effect the other wheel too. So usually it's set in the center and left there. But they have been known to shift.
Mine has bushings at the mounting bolts so there is no shifting unless the body gets warped. I looked over the sub frame and it's positioning and see so movement or indications it moved. The bushings are still holding it square and centered. I haven't measured X wise from rear to front yet to see if the body is still square. Will need to commandeer some help in holding the other end of the tape.
As it sits, it looks like it has a bit of negative camber on both fronts. Which is normal for these vehicles. And no real way to adjust it except take some away from one and put it on the other side. But like I said above, it's about 1° maximum. Some people do slots in the strut mount, some slot the lower ball joint, or use hub shims. Some use all three.
Most shops will only do a tow and go. Since tow is easy and there is plenty of adjustment there. Good shops will attempt to align the subframe. But good shops charge for such service. And for what they will want to do it, I'd rather do myself.
I'll probably start with the string or other straight edge. And measure from the front of the tires and the rear of the tires and compare the difference. Then a right angle for checking the camber. If camber is not bad I'll leave it as is. Supposed to have a little for handling anyways.
Right now it looks like my biggest issue is tow. Which I can fix myself