LCR - 4 wheel alignment vs Geometry set up

neilmac

Just starting to tweak...
Jul 12, 2006
294
1
Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between the two and what the difference is please?
 

RobM

Back from the dead...
Sep 27, 2006
4,982
3
Southampton
Alignment is simply checking your tracking and ensuring it's all aligned correctly.

A full Geometry check will check that, as well as Toe In/Out and Camber settings. Well worth doing if you have changed any part of the wheel or suspension setup or even if your car is a few years old.
 

Feel

Veedubya 'velle
Jun 12, 2003
4,918
2
Midlands
Alignment is just making sure the wheels are pointing the right way (toe), and geometry is making sure toe, caster and camber are set right.

As there's no caster, camber or toe adjustment on the back, and no caster and camber adjustment at the front MOST geometry checks would be pointless, although a good place I know seem to be able and prepared to loosen front subframes and rear beams and giggle them about to make what adjustments they can.

Front end on LCRs seems particularly susceptible to bent lower suspension arms and other misalignment problems. Probably the compression "damping" being so hard...
 

neilmac

Just starting to tweak...
Jul 12, 2006
294
1
Alignment is just making sure the wheels are pointing the right way (toe), and geometry is making sure toe, caster and camber are set right.

As there's no caster, camber or toe adjustment on the back, and no caster and camber adjustment at the front MOST geometry checks would be pointless, although a good place I know seem to be able and prepared to loosen front subframes and rear beams and giggle them about to make what adjustments they can.

Front end on LCRs seems particularly susceptible to bent lower suspension arms and other misalignment problems. Probably the compression "damping" being so hard...

So Id be better of just doing four wheel alignment and saving my money?
 

Pabs

Active Member
May 3, 2004
5,936
4
Basingstoke
...rear beams and giggle them about...

:lol:

Giggle -
to laugh in a silly, often high-pitched way, esp. with short, repeated gasps and titters, as from juvenile or ill-concealed amusement or nervous embarrassment.

Jiggle -
to move up and down or to and fro with short, quick jerks.


I think i know which one you mean.... ;)
 

Feel

Veedubya 'velle
Jun 12, 2003
4,918
2
Midlands
I think I know which one I meant too...

"Giggle the beam" is quite funny though.


I wouldn't say a full geo isn't worth it, just depends where you take it to - if you take it somewhere that's used to putting the car on, pressing a button and having a computer telling them what to adjust, that's a waste because all they'll do is tell you they can't adjust it...

Find somewhere decent - where abouts are you?
 

Steamy

Full Member
Jan 5, 2002
80
0
Scotland
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There is a common misconception that you can't adjust the camber on the front of an LCR. It is actually adjustable and the procedure is documented on ELSAWIN.
 

andyj

There's no F in Quality..
was going to mention that it's is possible to change the camber on the front of the Leon.... need to get mine checked out, as I'm getting excessive wear on the inside edge of my front tyres.....

anyone know a good 4-wheel geometry place in the East Mids ?!? ;)
 

Feel

Veedubya 'velle
Jun 12, 2003
4,918
2
Midlands
was going to mention that it's is possible to change the camber on the front of the Leon.... need to get mine checked out, as I'm getting excessive wear on the inside edge of my front tyres.....

anyone know a good 4-wheel geometry place in the East Mids ?!? ;)

Can't recommend Nottingham Alignment (Basford) enough - they really are the best place I've ever been to.

Muddyboots tried them, even though it was a bit of a trek (I heard he packed garlic and holy water, venturing out of Derbyshire and into Notts) he was impressed - I think he posted about it.
 

rllmuk

Active Member
Apr 23, 2005
1,241
6
I can't recommend the full geometry check enough. It is expensive but it highlighted issues on all four corners with my car after a normal alignment said it was all spot on, the before and after printouts make interesting reading.

Most dealers worth their salt should be able to do it. Richard Alexander Seat in Huddersfield did mine (via their VW dealership).
 

Mister_E

Full Member
Jun 12, 2006
87
0
Can someone recommend a company to do a geometry check, able to adjust camber up front and perhaps do some jiggling to get things as good as possible in the NW/W/W/SW London area?
Most of Bucks, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire and Surrey are within reach as well.

Just tired of the usual put it on a computer, adjust what the computer tells them, say they can't adjust the camber or do a thing with the back
 

RickC

BUILT NOT BOUGHT
Dec 23, 2004
1,621
0
Lincoln
was going to mention that it's is possible to change the camber on the front of the Leon.... need to get mine checked out, as I'm getting excessive wear on the inside edge of my front tyres.....

anyone know a good 4-wheel geometry place in the East Mids ?!? ;)



hucknall wheel alignment mate really good and have done my R a couple of times,


cost 50 quid with 4 wheel laser alignment and labour
yes the leon can have the camber done at the front by moving the ball joints in and out, also i have adjustable top mounts too

DSC04512.jpg


the rear can have some adjustment too, i cant remember what but something was moved,
 

UncleFester

Grumpier by the day!
Apr 30, 2006
4,764
1
Milton Keynes
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Can someone recommend a company to do a geometry check, able to adjust camber up front and perhaps do some jiggling to get things as good as possible in the NW/W/W/SW London area?
Most of Bucks, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire and Surrey are within reach as well.

Just tired of the usual put it on a computer, adjust what the computer tells them, say they can't adjust the camber or do a thing with the back

http://www.pcs-mk.co.uk/index.html

Equipped with a biessbarth which Inde-tech reckon is one of the best. I should add i have no idea whether this is true however that's where i'm taking mine to get it all checked.
 
Feb 27, 2007
1,261
0
Behind Wilko
I used APS in brackley, they have a biessbarth and also move the subframe to achieve the results they need..... very knowledgable.

Pat i didn;t know there was one in MK. how much is it? APS was £50 with the VAT
 

Mister_E

Full Member
Jun 12, 2006
87
0
Cool! Didn't know APS did it!
I guess we have a winner snce I already have a list of things that I want to have done at APS! :D
 
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