Lowered car alignment??? Where?

[Ej1749]

Hi guys and gals.

I have a MK7 GTD that has been lowered by 25mm front and rear. Nowhere seems to able to do an alignment. I had my two front Michelin Super Sports replaced yesterday with about 2mm left. The wear was even across the tyre but to my surprise, the mechanic showed me the inner edge of the sidewall and it was down to the threads.

Am I correct in thinking this is the camber out of whack? If so, does anyone know where to go to get this sorted. I have been through about 4 sets of tyres since owning the car due to high mileage and been lucky so far! I have also been driving my daughter around quite a lot too. Fortunately, I only ever cruise at 60-65mph on the DCC and drive like a granny when she's in the car.

Any help would be great.

Halfords can't do it and neither can Kwikfit. I would assume I'd need a tuning specialist?

[jv]

Can't do it because?

https://alignmycar.co.uk/

[Ej1749]

Can't do it because?

https://alignmycar.co.uk/

Cheers! Just had a look and I maybe being stupid, but it doesn't say they can modify it. I've understood it as, it can only be set back to the manufacturers specs? Is that correct or have I missed something?

"Manufacturers will determine the best Camber angle for your vehicle and a Hunter Wheel Alignment will ensure that your journey is safe and trouble free."

Am I correct in thinking that lowering a car will adjust the camber beyond the manufacturers specs?

[jv]

You don't know what's up with your setup at the moment other than you have lowered it and not had the alignment done.

Any good place will check the current situation, advise what 'normal' would be and also if you want the setup more 'agressive'.

No idea where you are based but I can highly recommend these guys www.tyre-smart.com

[madstaff]

Lowering normally increases the toe out angle as the tie rods are moving up in an arc, effectively shortening the steering arms and making your car toe out more.

There will be a small increase in negative camber which is a good thing as long as its still within spec or very near too, a small increase in neg camber is a good thing.

Both excessive toe out and neg camber will wear your tyre as you describe.

I would take it to somewhere who knows what there doing and that wouldnt include any fast fit centres.

[Ej1749]

You don't know what's up with your setup at the moment other than you have lowered it and not had the alignment done.

Any good place will check the current situation, advise what 'normal' would be and also if you want the setup more 'agressive'.

No idea where you are based but I can highly recommend these guys www.tyre-smart.com

I'm near Lincoln - Thanks, I'll have a look 

[Ej1749]

Lowering normally increases the toe out angle as the tie rods are moving up in an arc, effectively shortening the steering arms and making your car toe out more.

There will be a small increase in negative camber which is a good thing as long as its still within spec or very near too, a small increase in neg camber is a good thing.

Both excessive toe out and neg camber will wear your tyre as you describe.

I would take it to somewhere who knows what there doing and that wouldnt include any fast fit centres.

Yeah, I did think a little bit of negative camber was appropriate for leaning into the corners to keep as much contact with the road as possible. I am talking from being a racing driver many years ago. I am just not that technically minded, so I could be wrong ha.

I've had all four sets aligned by fast fit centres, so hopefully this time if I go somewhere that deals with this properly, I will get a bit more mileage out of the tyres (Fingers Crossed).

[Ej1749]

You don't know what's up with your setup at the moment other than you have lowered it and not had the alignment done.

Any good place will check the current situation, advise what 'normal' would be and also if you want the setup more 'agressive'.

No idea where you are based but I can highly recommend these guys www.tyre-smart.com

Hey do you know if the camber is adjustable as standard for normal alignments? Or do I need adjustable top mounts?
Cheers

[madstaff]

Hey do you know if the camber is adjustable as standard for normal alignments? Or do I need adjustable top mounts?
Cheers

Camber is not adjustable from the factory on a MK 7.

A 25mm drop should dial in a small amount of negative camber.

[Ej1749]

Hey do you know if the camber is adjustable as standard for normal alignments? Or do I need adjustable top mounts?
Cheers

Camber is not adjustable from the factory on a MK 7.

A 25mm drop should dial in a small amount of negative camber.

Thanks! Is this percentage going to destroy my tyres or should it be fine, providing I have a proper alignment done?