front wheels are toe'ing out :(

[02GT]

I have a Steeda lowering kit and 18" rims. Recently, my front wheels have started to toe outward, and it looks like my suspension is going to collapse. Will caster/camber plates solve this problem? If not, what can I do?

[Shay]

An alignment is in order. And yes, CC plates will facilitate that, but are not necessary

[2blowncodds]

If this condition came on fast, you have more than an alignment problem.

[04ShadowStg.2]

Codds is right, you may have a serious suspension problem, not to worry ya, but if the front alignment can just give way when it wants, thats never a good sign. Take it to Belle Tire or somewhere and have them give it a look.

[04ShadowStg.2]

I highly recommend Belle Tire because I had my new suspension put on one Thursday evening, they aligned it, then I had to replace a lower ball joint the next day and they re-aligned it for free. Not to mention they have the best alignment machine available.

[02GT]

I could see a little toeing when I first put the 18x9s on.... it started to get worse recently.

[what's that?]

Could you describe the problem a little more?

You say it is toe out, then you say it looks like it's going to colapse, that sounds more like camber.

So, are the front tires leaning inward (camber) or pointing in different directions (toe)?

Your wheels should not change your toe. A lowering kit might if it has real bad bump steer. Camber can change if your struts are loose, or your springs are worn out.

If you have a bump steer problem, then your springs wear out, it may become obvious because your ride height is lower than it should be.

Damage to your suspension can cause either symptom.

[02GT]

The tires are closer to the body on the top, and further away at the bottom. So i guess that would be a camber problem then. I have the Steeda lowering springs in.

[2blowncodds]

I suspect when the springs were changed the struts were losened from the spindles and when reinstalled the camber was thrown off because of the slop in the upper attachment bolt. The larger 18" tires agrivated this situation because of their larger footprint. If the camber is changed to negative on a front steer car the toe will change to out. Try this, remove the tires and check that everything is tight and not broken, loosen the two bolts that hold the strut to the spindle. Increase the distance between the spindle and the strut at the upper bolt and retighten. This will decrease your negative camber and bring your toe back into alignment. Drive it around the block, park it on level ground and look to see if it is better. If better, TAKE IT TO AN ALIGNMENT SHOP. Let me know what happens.

[02GT]

You sound like a doctor ... i will try... thanks!

[Shay]

Bottom line,.........when you intall different suspension components, like lowering springs, you have to get your front end re-aligned as a matter of course.

[04ShadowStg.2]

Also, just so you're aware, they can never align it perfectly with aftermarket suspension. They will tell you this when you take it, they can only get it "close".

[02GT]

Yeah I am getting my lower ball joint replced today... getting aligned tomorrow... camber plates soon after.

[red-envy]

I have the eibach pro kit on my 2000 and I started to have the same problem on the new tires. they had about half tread in the center but the right sides of both tires on the front were smooth. but it took a few miles to show that wear, so im not sure if thats just the agressive driving or the same problem you have. Let us know how it works out. I hear that caster camber plates from steeda might do the job. good luck

[02GT]

After my alignment, they straightened up a little. I am probably going to get CC plated onces this cold weather freaking moves on. Where in PA u from? Philly here.