4 Wheel Alignment

[Purplecty]

Has anyone ever had an issue getting a 4 wheel alignment for their x5? I replaced the rear guide links and took it to an NTB that has done several alignments on my e38 with no issues. They said the rear wheels were too far in and couldn't adjust them at all. They ended up not even charging me due to them stating they couldn't align it and to take to a special alignment shop. What does that even mean? I do have a rear spring conversion if that makes a difference?

[zukgod1]

Typically, if they can't get it adjusted within specs then something is bad (balljoint?) Or it's sitting lower than factory thus the factory adjustments aren't enough.
In that case, you need aftermarket toe/camber arms to get it within specs.

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[TriX5]

Sounds like the inner bushings on the rear lower arms may be too far gone to get camber to spec. Rear spring conversion should not be an issue. However, NTB would not be my first pick to get an X5 aligned.....

[andrewwynn]

Broken part almost always the reason. Can be any of the 4 or so ball joints.

[EODguy]

I have and it's almost certainly the arms but you might as well check rear airbags, guibo and trans mount while you're down there. (ask me how I know)

Also get some help with the exhaust as I have found that slowing it's fall with my head is quite painful

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[Purplecty]

Originally Posted by TriX5

Sounds like the inner bushings on the rear lower arms may be too far gone to get camber to spec. Rear spring conversion should not be an issue. However, NTB would not be my first pick to get an X5 aligned.....

Are you referring to the swing arm bushings? When i purchased the X i had it on the lift and everything besides the guide links looked ok so I replaced those. I have since learned that its hard to troubleshoot the rear as the air bag or spring (in my case) puts so much pressure down that you will not feel any play in the worn parts until that pressure is released. IMO since I need an alignment anyways would be to just replace the upper arms, ball joints and wheel carriers at the same time but is it really necessary to do the swing arm bushings if they visually look ok?

[andrewwynn]

You have to relieve the spring pressure some method to check for play, also you need to apply significant force eg. with a crowbar as the baseline of 1600# of force on the rear corner is 100x what a tug with your hands will apply.

[Purplecty]

Anyone know of an alignment shop in the Chicagoland area capable of doing the X5 alignment? I'd like to get a 2nd opinion or at least an explanation of why it can't be aligned?

[Purplecty]

Looks like I found the culprit. Maybe the alignment shop didn't know to release the spring pressure to understand the alignment issue?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mhs1ibvo8w...02708.mp4?dl=0

[andrewwynn]

Any shop that does alignments should know you can’t find a loose joint when under 1000# of spring pressure.

Once you get the wonky part replaced use a string you can get your wheels aligned within 1/10th of a degree not difficult. I align front to back at the same time same string.