need help quick, alignment question

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Mar 13, 2002 | 09:47 AM

Max2000

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need help quick, alignment question

does 2000 Maxima need a 4 wheel alignment or just the two front wheels? I think I read it before that we only need the front wheels allignment, can any one confirm that?
thanks

Mar 13, 2002 | 10:17 AM

2k1seae

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From: Beaverton OR

Re: need help quick, alignment question

Quote:

Originally posted by Max2000
does 2000 Maxima need a 4 wheel alignment or just the two front wheels? I think I read it before that we only need the front wheels allignment, can any one confirm that?
thanks

I think that it's called a thrust alignment, if my memory serves me correctly. Because the Max has a beam rear axle, a four wheel alignment is unnecessary. Possibly a search could verify or someone else can confirm.

Mar 13, 2002 | 12:04 PM

2k1seae

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From: Beaverton OR

Quote:

Originally posted by yo_its_ok
2 wheel alignment only...

Thrust Angle is how the car tracks has very little to do with a Maxima...The rear beam is non-adjustable, and the only adjustment on the car is front toe, unless you have camber plate or bolts. As long as your car isn't dropped more than 2.25" your camber should be within spec.

I just did a search on 'alignment' and found a post back in December by sprintmax about a thrust alignment. His suggestion was to get a thrust alignment which uses the rear wheels to align the front wheels. His comment was that a plain 2 wheel alignment wouldn't last very long. I am confused now as to which alignment should we get.

Mar 13, 2002 | 12:19 PM

adman

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Re: need help quick, alignment question

Yo is right...front alignment is all that is necessary. But, a thrust {

} alignment
makes sure the front wheels are actually inline with the back. That is all...

ADMAN

Mar 13, 2002 | 12:56 PM

2k1seae

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From: Beaverton OR

Quote:

Originally posted by yo_its_ok

I've been doing alignments for 5 years now.

Did you read my post about what Thrust Angle is ????
The problem on 4th and 5th gens is there is no adjustment for the rear beam, so it ends up as a 2 wheel alignment.

If you own a 3rd gen then a Thrust Angle has some meaning to it since the rear suspension is adjustable, and once the thrust angle is at 0 degrees going straight and true, then the front wheels can be aligned and the car with track straight instead of "crabbing" which is exactly what it sounds like.

-Damm you Sprint.

Thanks for the clarification (nice and simple explanation). This is why I use this forum for acurate information. I appreciate the knowledge here.

Mar 13, 2002 | 01:07 PM

Max2000

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thanks for the help guys... just got back from the Tire place... they want to do the 4 wheel alignment.. and I told them.. "you sure? the rear beam is not adjustble..." so they said "we will just set it up, and if it's not adjustble... then I won't charge you for it".. and guess what.... IT'S not adjustble... they they didn't charge me anything except for the front wheel aligment.... my rear is off by .014, and the tech told me that they CAN correct that.. but I won't feel a thing, except probably my wallet...