2001 Lexus Ls 430 After Installing New Struts Mounts Per Manual Took Car

2001 LEXUS LS 430
90,000 MILES
Avatar
JIMBARRETT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
After installing new struts and mounts per Lexus manual, took car in for an alignment. They aligned it but the printout shows a cross sai of 8.1, should be between -.5 and .5. They said not to worry since the other numbers were o.k. Then I researched and learned about the arrows on strut mounts.I looked on the old ones and there they are. No where did the manual mention that or how to orientate them. If I mounted the new ones with the arrows in the wrong place, would that cause my sai numbers to be where they are? Should I redo and realign? Where should the arrows point?
Feb 14, 2013 at 3:06 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I would recommend that you redo it and align the arrows the way it is recommended. You may experience premature tire wear.
Feb 14, 2013 at 3:13 AM
Avatar
JIMBARRETT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My question is If the arrows are wrong would that cause my sai numbers to be off , and second, I don't know where the arrows are suppose to point.
Feb 14, 2013 at 3:16 AM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
To the best of my knowledge, it can cause the sai to be off. As far as the arrows, if I remember correctly, they face forward.
Feb 14, 2013 at 3:26 AM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Diagram shows the arrow position.

For this model, the struts are fixed and would not affect the SAI much unless the lower arm bushes for the struts are bad. The components more likely to affect the SAI would be the upper arms and ball joints.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.
Feb 14, 2013 at 6:00 AM
Avatar
JIMBARRETT
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you.
Feb 14, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
You're welcome.
Feb 14, 2013 at 5:01 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.