Alignment issues (Page 1/1)
fierocarb FEB 23, 10:20 AM
Recently my 88 slide out of front alignment after a four wheel lock up panic stop. Didn’t hit anything thank god. I am new to Arizona so I want sure where to take it and the body shop I work in doesn’t have a measurement system. But we use Iconic (Goodyear). So I took it there.

After two attempts to align it the car still isn’t right. Nothing like it did before the lock up. The steering feels light and off center and the car tracks to the right. Visually I can see the toe is pointed out in the front. (The car has 17s all the same offset on it.). The shop blames it on the adjustment shaft thing being to smooth and it slides out of adjustment. But last guy in Wisconsin didn’t have an issue soooooo thinking they don’t know what they are doing or are just trying to get rid of me.

I am looking for suggestions or possibly methods of home alignment. I don’t/can’t keep paying for alignments. Hell if I get it back right I’d be tempted to tack weld it to hold it.
skywurz FEB 23, 01:47 PM
Did the spinout strip your outer tie rod end?
Some shops just can't do alignments. I took my car to a shop 2 times after replacing all of the front components. They never got the steering wheel straight or fixed the positive camber. They in fact told me my car was old and the components (i had just replaced and the whole reason for a new alignment) were worn out and that's why my camber was off. I took it home and loosened and adjusted my upper ball joints myself. The car tracks fine but the steering wheel is still at 11o clock.
skywurz FEB 23, 06:50 PM
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theogre FEB 23, 07:50 PM
Alignment Won't go out of adjustment for panic stop or "spin out" cause by braking.

If don't hit anything while spinning out, You have something wrong w/ suspension, brakes, or both.

Brake dragging pads/shoes can cause fake suspension problems. If you drive w/ pad dragging can cause fade, total brake failure, or even fires.

Just 1 iffy suspension part can "pass" on Alignment machine and do all types of problems while driving.
1 Rubber bushing anywhere can do this and 88 has more of them then older Fiero.

And whatever you feel thru Steering wheel can be problems in the rear of car.

Fiero brakes like most other Non-ABS systems try Not to lock rear brakes even for panic stops.
When the rears does:
Road surface let it happen. Wet dirt and more on good pavement can cause this.
OE system have problems.
AND that's assuming you don't "Brake Upgrades" because most "Upgrades" brakes for Fiero are done bad.

most applies to 88... See my Cave, Brake Service and rest of section.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

RichLo1 FEB 28, 09:11 AM
Somethings not adding up, theres nothing "smooth" to cause an alignment to go out after a shop has properly done their job. And by that I mean they need to do a full inspection BEFORE they start the alignment. If there was anything that needed to be replaced they should tell you for free before they touch anything on your car.

I hate to call out big box shops but dont go to those. Go to a small mom-and-pop shop where the owner is the one working on your car.