Full car alignment question.

[aldo1123]

Brought my 2001 4.4i in for an alignment and they told me that my adjusters were frozen/seized in both the front and rear. I have 20 inch rims on it and the tires have about 6,000 miles on them and there is no sign of uneven wear. I called my mechanic and he said to bring the car in to see if he could free up the adjustment points.

Does anyone think I need to have the tie rods replaced or maybe the alignment is fine? Of course they told me the front is way off, but the back is not too bad.

[BavariaTexan]

Originally Posted by aldo1123

Brought my 2001 4.4i in for an alignment and they told me that my adjusters were frozen/seized in both the front and rear. I have 20 inch rims on it and the tires have about 6,000 miles on them and there is no sign of uneven wear. I called my mechanic and he said to bring the car in to see if he could free up the adjustment points.

Does anyone think I need to have the tie rods replaced or maybe the alignment is fine? Of course they told me the front is way off, but the back is not too bad.

Where did you go for an alignment?

[aldo1123]

I went to this place Direct Tire, my mechanic recommended it to me. Its a small tire and automotive place here in MA, there is about 4 of them.

[BavariaTexan]

Originally Posted by aldo1123

I went to this place Direct Tire, my mechanic recommended it to me. Its a small tire and automotive place here in MA, there is about 4 of them.

Well I would get a second opinion on that. They may see the BMW logo and translate that to a chance to make $,$$$.

[motordavid]

Not unusual for the adjuster hardware to be 'frozen', esp if the car saw winters/salt/road grime...

A good mechanic will try various methods: diff 'penetrating oils', heat, big azz impact wrench, et al.

If you need/will ever need an alignment, the adjusting hardware will have to be 'freed up' and possibly replaced. I am trying to remember if just hardware can be replaced vs sus parts...
GL, mD

[BavariaTexan]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Not unusual for the adjuster hardware to be 'frozen', esp if the car saw winters/salt/road grime, but in TX?

A good mechanic will try various methods: diff 'penetrating oils', heat, big azz impact wrench, et al.

If you need/will ever need an alignment, the adjusting hardware will have to be 'freed up' and possibly replaced. I am trying to remember if just hardware can be replaced vs sus parts...
GL, mD

He is in Boston.

NOT THE SAME!

[motordavid]

BavTX...got it. Edited...getting older is hell.

[bcredliner]

How many miles since suspension was redone if it ever was?

[motordavid]

If I recall, parts 7 & 18 adjust/affect the rear toe...a careful, persistent tech can get those bolts/washers off and replace them, imo.
GL, mD

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Not unusual for the adjuster hardware to be 'frozen', esp if the car saw winters/salt/road grime...

A good mechanic will try various methods: diff 'penetrating oils', heat, big azz impact wrench, et al.

If you need/will ever need an alignment, the adjusting hardware will have to be 'freed up' and possibly replaced. I am trying to remember if just hardware can be replaced vs sus parts...
GL, mD

Per above I would start with penetrating oil applied several times over a couple of days. I am betting all will be well with penetrating oil and a big wrench. If not, time for the fire wrench. Worst case nothing works---that would be the time for new parts.