Wheel alignment, rear control arms

Tiny
RL1522
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK LESABRE
  • 130,000 MILES
I had a mechanic replace the rear control arms of my car. I went to get a wheel alignment done somewhere else and I was told that they could not do the alignment because of the control arms. I took the vehicle back to the mechanic who repaired the control arms and they claimed they fixed the problem. If the rear control arms are not the problem, why is it that my rear wheels still cannot be aligned?
Saturday, September 12th, 2020 AT 8:58 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,047 POSTS
There are not many adjustments on that rear suspension, basically just a toe setting using the adjustment links. However it's possible the rear sub-frame itself is the problem. Did they tell you what items they couldn't align? Knowing that would make it easier to know what was wrong. I attached an image of the rear suspension. Item 12 is the sub-frame. It holds the other parts. Items 5 and 6 are the adjustment links. You loosen the bolts that hold the control arms and then adjust those to set the rear toe and thrust angle. However if the sub-frame was damaged it could be difficult or impossible to do. I don't know of a way the arms themselves could prevent alignment unless they were made wrong as they have no adjustment parts.
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 12:06 AM
Tiny
RL1522
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Is the rear sub-frame related to. 16, 17, and 18? The reason I am asking is because when I attempted to get the alignment after the first mechanic repaired the control arms, the mechanic said the reason my car was still behaving the same way was because I needed an alignment. I took the vehicle to another mechanic and they were turning the bolts in the center rear of the car. Then when I had my car looked at by another mechanic they told me it could be the bolts and washers 16, 17, and 18 or the control arms themselves should be Buick manufactured control arms. I told the first mechanic that made the control arm repairs that the other mechanics said my car could not be aligned. I took the car back and he told me that he was able to align the car himself but two different auto services said the alignment still was not done. The first mechanic even told me I need another car after he claimed to have fixed my alignment. I am confused. My car still feels the same way after I payed for the repairs of my control arms.
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 4:05 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,047 POSTS
There are cam link bolts on the inner bushing for the adjustment links, items 1 and 2 in the image. With a close up in the second image. Those are the parts that move to adjust the rear toe. This is the alignment process for the rear.
1. Loosen the inner adjustment link cam nut.
2. In order to adjust the toe, rotate the cam bolt using an 18 mm socket.
Tighten the cam (2) nut to 55 ft. Lbs.
3. Recheck the toe setting after tightening.

What seems to be the issue with the car in the way it feels?
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 5:04 AM
Tiny
RL1522
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
When I drive I have to drive slow (under 30 mph) because the rear of the car seems to sway over even if I hit the slightest bump.
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 5:16 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,047 POSTS
Did these shops check the subframe mounts for play or damage?
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Sunday, September 13th, 2020 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
RL1522
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I just talked to the mechanic who initially worked on my vehicle and he stated that my vehicle will never be aligned correctly due to the sub-frame. He did not tell me how he checked the sub-frame. He said the sub-frame was rusted out and I should purchase another vehicle. Is a sub-frame worth fixing or should I purchase another vehicle?
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 3:23 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,047 POSTS
Okay, that would easily cause this. Is the rest of the car in good shape? Engine and transmission good, body good. Get a quote on a replacement and see what the dollar amount comes up to. Then consider the rest of the car, will it last a year? Two or more? Then go from there.
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
RL1522
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Okay, thanks.
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,047 POSTS
You're welcome.
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Monday, September 14th, 2020 AT 5:03 PM

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