Wheel alignment tips/info

[c-bass]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Check for wear on the outboard side of the "wishbone". (rearward control arm). That's the usual suspect that wears out and causes tire wear and partly why you'll see more than usual negative camber (not the cause of tire wear).

It's difficult to see the motion of the ball joint when loaded so if you have air springs best to remove the pressure and it will become obvious. But even with spring pressure you can pry with a crowbar and if you see motion it's shot.

No air suspension

I won't know the status of the suspension until it's up on the hoist and if anything looks worn out then I won't bother with the alignment until those issues are addressed.

It's been a long time since I've had an alignment done so I'm assuming you input make, model, year into some computer and the Matrix will tell you what spec should be.

I meant more so what people are actually using vs BMW spec.