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Jun 2, 2008 | 12:47 PM

di2526

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Need Alignment Advice

Hi, All
I'm new to this forum and will warn you that I am NOT technical (so please be patient! heehee).

My 2003 TT (58k miles, purchased in 2006 at 42k miles) seems to have a very funny rear alignment. It tilts inward. I assume this is for performance? It's apparently ripping the hell out of my tires. The dealer made no mention of the alignment during my 50k last year, so I didn't realize it until my bf pointed it out to me.

A local alignment shop said changing the alignment would require a set of shims that will run about $700. I'm frankly not real keen on throwing that kind of cash down (though I'm not nuts about buying tires every year, either!).

Any thoughts or suggestions? I love my car, but between this weird alignment thing and my broken-shut glove box, I'm kind of missing my Toyota...

Thanks!
Di

Jun 2, 2008 | 12:50 PM

TTschwing

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Sounds like you have a FWD model...>

If your alignment guy suggested shims. Inward Tilt (Negative camber) is designed into the car and is not adjustable without shimming. Somewhere around -2 degrees as I recall on that model. Regular tire rotation (every 5K) will keep your unusual wear to a minimum.... If all you do is drive in a straight line, you can shim and reduce camber, but at that price I'd be inclined to just go with more frequent rotations..

Jun 2, 2008 | 12:54 PM

GeTT da NeTT

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We can also help with that pesky glove box as well.

Jun 2, 2008 | 12:55 PM

JohnLZ7W

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front wheel drive or quattro?

If the car doesn't have excessive negative camber then it shouldn't eat tires. If you're on stock suspension and nothing in the rear suspension has been bent from some sort of accident then your camber should be ok. Might want to have them check the toe though as that can eat tires and is adjustable.

If your car is quattro then there are aftermarket camber adjustment options that are much less than $700. You could get a set of kmacs for ~$200. It's hard to suggest a fix without really knowing what is wrong though. If you've got the alignment specs it would help.

Jun 2, 2008 | 12:56 PM

di2526

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Re: Sounds like you have a FWD model...>

i typically stick to straight lines, being a california highway girl.

i don't mind doing the rotations and since i really don't drive heavy miles these days 5k isn't a horrible nightmare to handle.

thanks for the guidance!

Jun 2, 2008 | 01:02 PM

di2526

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Re: We can also help with that pesky glove box as well.

i did find that fix a while back with the alligator clip. i tried popping it open from the side panel and it feels like it's jammed. [i'm ashamed to admit this, but i think there is a hairband in there that may be causing some of the problem. such a chick!!]

since it didn't give way at all, i decided to let it be for now. is there an easier way to open it? i have access to metric and standard tools but not sure how to get in there.

if i re-sell it, i will probably have to replace the darned thing which will run me ~$800 in parts. :-(

if you've got other suggestions, i am all ears!!

Thanks!

Jun 2, 2008 | 01:04 PM

di2526

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Re: front wheel drive or quattro?

I don't have the specs on me. my boyfriend took it to a shop he's friendly with today, so he;ll have all the details for me tonight. like i said, i don't really know much about these things and rely upon the men to do all the work while i make him a nice homecooked dinner & fresh bread for his trouble. lol!