I just took my 02' in for my first 4-wheel allignment at 75k, and was told by a local mechanic that it would require a "kit" to allign the rear wheels?

He went on to explain this kits costs $200.00-$300.00 (additional) and that he cannot make any adjustments until the kit is either purchased through him or Nissan.

I haven't called Nissan dealership yet. I didn't want to give them the easy opportunity yet. This just sounds unusual.

Has anyone heard of this?!?

 

95 - 03's do not require a rear wheel alignment, only front.

 

Well, the problem is that it pulls (hard) to the right. I had the front's alligned with no effect at all.

Mechanic said it had to be the rears...

 

Well then, something is bent in the rear, because there is no provision to align the rear wheels.

Not at all familiar with what could possibly be contained in this so called "kit" that would allow rear adjustment.

 

Search using irish44j as the user name and you will find many threads where he speaks of this rear wheel alignment and what is / could be bad / bent.

 

Cool, thanks guys!

 

I have done rear alignments on other makes of cars that have a solid rear beam axle like the Maxima. You would place a wedged shim that goes between the rear wheel bearing and the axle in order to correct toe and camber. Even if Nissan does not sell them it does not mean that you can not get them so your mechanic is most likely correct. Do you know the alignment number of your car(what the toe and camber is). You should make sure there are no other problems with the rear suspension first. Make sure it isn't causes by bad tires. I would want to know what the rear readings are before I would think about doing anything with the rear.

Read the next post by vinco since he is correct. The difference in the other cars I have done is the spindle is welded on the Maxima and other cars do not have a spindle instead the rear bearing bolts to the axle with 3 or more bolts therefore you can change toe and camber with a shim. With the Maxima rear bearing you bolt it to the spindle with 1 nut therefore you can not change any readings.

You should find out what the rear wheel readings are before going any further.

 

I think something is bent. It's a solid beam with the spindles welded on to it. If it's not aligned properly, then it's bent. You can get a straight used one at pretty much any junkyard with Maximas for ~$250, and that would include the rear suspension member, linkages, struts, hubs, and all. That, IMO is a better solution than some "patch job" of shims, washers, or whatever.

 

Sorry for the delay...

Not sure how much sense this makes, but here are the (Rear) readings...

Rear : Left
Actual/Before / Specified Range
-1.0/-1.1 / -1.8 -0.3 (Camber)
0.11/0.09 / -0.13 0.22 (Toe)

Rear : Right
Actual/Before / Specified Range
-1.0/-1.0 / -1.8 -0.3 (Camber)
0.14/0.13 / -0.13 0.22 (Toe)

Rear:
Actual/Before / Specified Range
-0.1/-0.1 / --- (Cross Camber)
0.25/0.22 / -0.26 0.44 (Total Toe)
-0.01/-0.02 / --- (Thrust Angle)

I hope nothing's bent, but I have a feeling that's what Mossy Nissan will say.

Thanks for any assistance!

 

Which Mossy Nissan? CA or TX? (Or how many others are out there?)

Anyway, the only way the rear can be aligned is by cutting and welding. If you're at the Mossy in Houston TX, take your car to Awesome Z on the NE side of town for a second opinion. 30+ year Nissan Master Mechanic. He's the only one I trust other than myself to touch my car.

If you're at the Mossy in CA, then I can't help you.

BUT.. before you start pointing fingers at alignment, look at tire pressures and condition, brakes, and any other suspension issues before looking at the rear beam. A link for you.. http://www.familycar.com/alignment.htm
Read the stuff about halfway down the page about 4 wheel alignments and 'other factors'. Should provide some insight for you.

 

there is no way to align the rear.. so the guy just want it to you. If it pulls to the right, you are in the same boat as me. Take it ot Sears this is the best place you can take it, from what i have heard.

 

Your alignment readings are all in spec so there shouldn't be anything bent. Try rotating your tires from the left to right and see if the car pulls in the other direction. If it does then it is at least one bad tire. Make sure your brakes and suspension is all good and solid.