Hi Everyone newby here from the left coast

[Jakebrake]

Hi

Newby here, my inquiry is to do with an '04 Sunfire. I don't have access to a proper maintenance manual.
I just purchased this car and discovered a front strut spring was broken. So I replaced the struts which put the pax side wheel was way out of alignment on toe out. I adjusted the tie rod ends but now I have about 20mm of thread showing, which I am concerned is threaded out beyond specification.
Would anyone know what would be the maximum amount of thread that can be visible? Also, I realize the strut affects the suspension, but I am perplexed as to why strut replacement would radically change the alignment.
Any thoughts, suggestions, kindly appreciated.

 

[melsg5]

This alignment was done using what kind of equipment?

 

[Jakebrake]

I realigned it at home using a plumb line and tape measure. The tire was squealing badly and was unsafe to drive, so it will have to go into a shop. As I say, I am concerned about why new struts would put it out of alignment when it was aligned prior to changing them. Also concerned that I had to turn the tie rods out to the point I am not sure it is within tolerance. thx

 

[melsg5]

How can the car have been aligned with a broken spring? After the strut replacement was the car sitting higher than normal or anything else not loook right? How did you tackle the camber issue?

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[Jakebrake]

Actually, I drove the car about 70 kms at highway speed to my place right after I bought it. It was making some snapping noises when turning to park, but aside from that the alignment seemed normal. I put it up on ramps to investigate what was causing the snapping. After backing down off the ramps, the car was sitting low on the drivers side and that is when the spring snapped. When I finished getting the brakes and struts done, I test drove it and realized the alignment was off. So to clarify, prior to the spring breaking, the alignment was fine.

 

[Zimgxp]

Changing the struts can change the alignment. An alignment is usually done after a strut change.

 

[Jakebrake]

Changing the struts can change the alignment. An alignment is usually done after a strut change.

Thanks - the alignment was definitely off after the struts were replaced. So well, it is reasonably close now. At least I'm not hearing squealing while driving it anymore.

 

[Jakebrake]

Since I last posted, the alignment on this sunfire seems to be getting worse the more I drive it. With the steering wheel centred, the passenger side front tire is noticeably toed out, while the drivers side is straight. I am pretty well run out of adjustment as far as the tie rod ends are concerned. The vehicle doesn't have any accident history, I have tightened all jam nuts and that sort of thing, so I am at a bit of a loss Could the new struts I put on have anything to do with this As far as I can tell there is one way to orient the struts and that is it..

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[melsg5]

you havent taken the vehicle to a shop to have a alignment performed? The toe in is done after the camber is set.