1994 Toyota Camry Rear suspension and front of rear wheels

Tiny
MGOULD3090
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 TOYOTA CAMRY
Suspension problem
1994 Toyota Camry 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 199k miles

I am fixing up a car for a friend of mine. I bought this car at an auction and the only real problem it has is that the rear wheels actually turn inwards. I am told this is common with cars that get towed and it is a result of an over zealous tow operator cranking the car so tight that when the truck is traveling and it goes overa bump/pothole/small building that the suspension stays put but the car bounces upwards and bends the sway bar causing the wheels to do this. I am told it is a relatively easy fix by bending it back but that it will need to have the alignment done. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks for your time.
Thursday, December 27th, 2007 AT 2:30 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Over zealous is not the word I would use, reckless comes to mind. You will have to get a 4 wheel alignment, choose your aligner carefully, as a good 4 wheel alignment is often hard to obtain as some aligners don't really take that much attention to the rear specs. Make sure that they are aware of the problem you have, and that that don't just wind out the adjustments untill there about there. Ask for a report on any damage they should not be attempting to do an alignment if there is something that a body shop should look at first.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, December 27th, 2007 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
MGOULD3090
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"Over zealous is not the word I would use, reckless comes to mind."

Thank you Mark. I can't say as I am all that surprised about the damage. The car is from Massachusetts and it was towed to an auction in New Hampshire generally for cars that are donated for the tax right off. From what I hear, the tow truck drivers could give a crap about the condition of the vehicle when it arrives because how would a buyer ever track them down for the damages? Unfortunately, there are far less scrupulous people than you and I in this world that we have to deal with.

Matt
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Thursday, December 27th, 2007 AT 4:14 PM

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