C2 Front Alignment Shims - NCRS Discussion Boards

C2 Front Alignment Shims

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • John L.
    Very Frequent User
    • December 1, 1997
    • 409

    C2 Front Alignment Shims

    I need to replace the current shims used for front end alignment. Can I just loosen the bolts maybe one at a time and slip in the correct size ?? Do I have to jack the car up and remove the weight on the front end ?? The car has been aligned and tracks straight -- the shims are just wrong.

    thanks
  • Jim T.
    Expired
    • March 1, 1993
    • 5351

    #2
    Re: C2 Front Alignment Shims

    To change out your upper control arm alignment shims position your jack under the bottom shock mount on the lower control arm and lift the tire. This will relieve the pressure on the upper control arm shims.

    Comment

    • mikemccagh

      #3
      Re: C2 Front Alignment Shims

      don't need to jack it up. just loosen the bolts to release pressure on the shims then replace with the correct configured shims , then retighten nuts. mike

      Comment

      • Ralph E.
        Expired
        • February 1, 2002
        • 905

        #4
        Re: C2 Front Alignment Shims

        John,

        Looks like you got two answers to the same question. I have the same problem. Let us know which way worked.

        Ralph #37280

        Comment

        • Terry M.
          Beyond Control Poster
          • September 30, 1980
          • 15573

          #5
          Re: C2 Front Alignment Shims

          Actually both Jim's and Mike's answers are correct, however, jacking the front from below the spring/shock mount serves no purpose. So long as the weight of the car is supported at the spring, or outboard of the spring, as the upper control arm attaching nuts are loosened the weight of the car will push the control arm inboard loosening the shims (which, if your luck is like mine, will promptly slip onto the crossmember, and slide below the engine, never to be seen again).

          Jacking the car from inboard of the spring will force the upper control arm outward, and make removing the shims more difficult.

          Sometimes a pry bar will be necessary to start the control arm in motion. Loosening only one nut at a time will increase the likelihood that a pry bar will be needed to free the shims (a good thing to help keep the shims from doing their disappearing act). A magnetic pick-up tool placed against the shims will help minimize the chances their disappearance.

          Be sure to torque the control arm attaching nuts to the proper value ( 1968-1969 AIM shows 40-55 lb/ft, but consult the AIM or FSM for your specific year), and if they have been on and off several times consider replacing them. They are grip nuts, and will deteriorate with repeated use.
          Terry

          Comment

          Working...

          Debug Information

          Searching...Please wait.
          An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

          Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
          An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

          Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
          An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
          There are no results that meet this criteria.
          Search Result for "|||"