Date:         Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:29 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Wheel alignment - myth or reality
Comments: To: Leonard Anthony <whitewatering@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <59943f850909231535k3151c62fwbec04446e4c285a6@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Yes, the rear wheels can be adjusted for camber and toe. Usually this only
has to be done once after things settle in from new. If in a rust area the
adjustment may be impossible now as the bolt will be rust welded into the
busing sleeve and most likely the only way to move it is to cut it out and
replace the rear trailing arm bushings.

Dennis


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Leonard Anthony
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 6:35 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Wheel alignment - myth or reality

After reading Keith's post I looked under my Westy, jogging my apparently
degrading memory. Is this "slot" issue for the back, when doing 4 wheel
alignment? I googled for the article I read but couldn't find it. Has anyone
seen this article? Is this another vanagon myth? Anyone aware of any issues
when doing 4 wheel alignments? Can you or do you even need to align the
rear, if so, what are the signs / symptoms. Could even tire wear, but odd or
poor handling be caused by the rear being out? These may be pesky questions
but it seems as if what hasn't happened yet, will down the road. And when
you have a vehicle you have to teach your mechanic how to fix it can be good
to know.

since I'm now guilty of blowing black smoke I'll try to find the article,
but won't have time until next week, lest be resolved by then.

Thanks & sorry for the smoke.
Thank you for the explanation, Keith.

L

>>When I first bought my 84 Westy and replaced the passenger tires with
RA08's, the old tires were worn just as you speak. I found a good article on
it using google. was either the archive here or on wesfalia.org. The gist of
it, from my recollection, was to grind out the adjuster slots something like
1/4 to 1/2 inch wider. Since putting on the correct tires, they seem to be
wearing evenly, so I'm holding off on the alignment. Anyway it seemed like a
good article, you might want to try to find it and decide for yourself if
you agree with it or not. Hopefully this may point you in a good direction.