jb1dsl said:
i took my car in to get the front end aligned today. the guy said he aligned it and drove it. he got it back and it was toeing in. he staightened it and drove it. he got back and it was toed out. he said my lower ball joints were bad and the car was flexing real bad between the shock towers. my whole front is rust free and strong. does this sound normal. he said to get new lower control arms and a monte carlo bar. do the aftermarket expot braces help more than the stock ones. how do the aftermarket export braces go on if the stock one is already there? any suggestions?
I don't believe that guy. Actually what I should say is that I'm not certain he knows what he's talking about. My bs - ometer is pegged.
If the car looks rust free and solid in the front, I don't believe that will cause an alignment problem. Doesn't make a bit of sense to me.
'Nother edit.
I like the idea of monte carlo bars and export braces - I think they're great for Mustangs. I do NOT think you need them to get the car aligned, though. No way.
I recommend you go to another shop. You might consider having a look at the lower ball joints yourself first.
To inspect the lower ball joints do this:
1. Raise the vehicle and support it under the frame. Do not support it under the lower suspension arm.
Edit: I should also say that if the car is supported under the lower suspension arm, it will unload the lower ball joint. In this situation the lower ball joint WILL move. I have heard of some shops doing this deliberately to get the customer to cough up cash for unnecessary repairs.
2. Have an assistant grab the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out.
3. While the wheel is being moved, look at the lower arm and spindle. They should not move at all in relationship to each other. Any movement between them means the lower ball joint is worn and should be replaced.
Ignore any movement in the upper ball joint during the test. Also, don't mistake loose wheel bearings for a lower ball joint problem.
I hope this helps.
