Volkswagen Passat (1988 - 1997) - 96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts

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Thu 21 Jan 2010 09:26
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - tophat46
Replaced both front suspensions struts/shocks approx 10 weeks ago. Handling not great now I notice outside wear on both front tyres.
Marked the old suspension struts/swivel hub positions before I removed them, but the replacements were not the same manufacturer.
I assume it's a camber issue: is there anything I can do apart from trial & error to see if there is slack between the strut and swivel hub when I tighten the strut-swivel hub mounting bolts?
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 12:52
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - Peter.N.
Wear on the outside edge of the tyres, if both, indicates to much toe in, incorrect camber would cause it to pull to one side.
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 13:47
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - WorkshopTech
Get a full alignment check so you know what youre dealing with. You cant do anything by trial and error, it will cost more in worn rubber than an alignment.
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 14:30
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - tophat46
For the MOT/NCT (I'm in ireland) in early 2009 before I replaced the struts, the camber was off slightly, but within spec according to the mechanic doing the laser alignment tests.
He added that nothing could be done with the camber setting, so before I go to re-do the alignment test, just like to know what are my options.
Car not pulling either way, just sensation of "drift" on steering.
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 14:36
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - WorkshopTech
There is not a lot you can do to alter the camber on these other than slacken bolts and apply a bit of force to the joint as you do it up. This would need to be done whilst its on the alignment equipment otherwise its just pure guesswork and you might make things worse.
I'm surprised that if its in spec you are gettinge excess tyre wear - you sure there is nothing else goin on?
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 14:59
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - tophat46
The pre-MOT/NCT alignment tests came before the struts replacement. There was no steering/tyre wear issues up to the strut replacements.
I suppose the point i'm making & WorkshopTech & my own alignment mechanic seems to confirm is that there's not a lot you can do with the camber settings.
What other things might be goin' on I wonder ?
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Thu 21 Jan 2010 15:16
96 1.9 Camber issues after replacing front struts - WorkshopTech
Are you sure the front toe is correct? Also have you checked the bushes for deterioration, failry common on these.
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