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Do the alignment specs have to be exactly the same for both sides?

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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 08:44 PM
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Do the alignment specs have to be exactly the same for both sides?

Here are my alignment specs:

Camber: -0.59 L -0.27 R
Caster: 1.83 L 2.41 R
Toe: 0.13L 0.05R

Cross Camber: -0.32
Cross Caster: -0.58

I notice my front right tire was wearing more rapidly on the outside so I took my car for an alignment. The mechanic said everything is withing spec so there is not alignment problem. Do both tires need to have the same specs?
Old Jun 24, 2003 | 09:27 PM
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I had the same problem, they told me that the numbers were correct...when it made a whirring noise when driving at low speeds. Now I have uneven tread ware on my rear passenger tire.
Old Jun 24, 2003 | 10:02 PM
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Toe is what you need to worry about most on our cars. Being within spec is obviously important, but trying to get the numbers as close as possible (left toe compared to right toe) is just as important. I got an alignment done yesterday and I ended up with a 2 degree difference (.09 compared to .11 degrees), so that's good enough for me. The car drives straight as an arrow now.

Also check for underinflation if your tires are wearing more on the outside than at the middle of the tire.
Old Jun 24, 2003 | 10:06 PM
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I am worried that my caster is not within spec (2.00 - 3.5) and apparently is not adjustable on Maximas....
The uneven tire wearing only happened on the right front tire. I rotated the right front to the left side front to see if the uneven wearing will happen on this tire too. I am running my 245/40/18 at 35psi, which is what Nissan recommend for the 350Z tires...
Old Jun 24, 2003 | 10:07 PM
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I am worried that my caster is not within spec (2.00 - 3.5) and apparently is not adjustable on Maximas....
The uneven tire wearing only happened on the right front tire. I rotated the right front to the left side front to see if the uneven wearing will happen on this tire too. I am running my 245/40/18 at 35psi, which is what Nissan recommend for the 350Z tires...

Also...not a related question, but I have noticed that both rear tires do not make complete contact with the road. aprox 2 inches measuring from the sidewall do the tires make contact with the road. Is this normal?
Old Jun 24, 2003 | 10:33 PM
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Anyone with a lowered max notice that after u get an alignment, it takes a little more force to turn right than it does to turn left?? I got it on my car and it's driving me nuts!
Old Jun 24, 2003 | 10:33 PM
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You're right in that the caster isn't adjustable. Mine measured exactly 2.5 degrees on both sides. I'm not sure what needs to be fixed or adjusted if they don't match.

Your tire contact patch doesn't start until you go inwards 2 inches from the sidewall? That sounds a bit excessive. Again, check to make sure all of your rubber is properly inflated. You don't want to ruin two tires. Don't worry what the specs are for the 350....worry about what the inflation specs are for YOUR tires. 35psi sounds fine.
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