Front Camber plates? what is the average install time if done by a professional?

thanks,

 

im no perfessional and i could have the front struts off and on in an hourish

 

Call and ask Steve at: www.customminishop.com tommorrow. He just put a set on a customers car today.

 

should be real fast. Then there's the alignement.

Matt

 

alignment should be left to a professional camber plates are a novice task

 

Took me 30 minutes after I found the right socket.....to fit the nut of my PSS9's. On both I was using Spark plug sockets and an allen wrench...

 

I think If I have all my tools near me, I can get them done in 15 minutes a side, then another 30 minutes or so to do an alignment.

 

it's an easy job... But the shop (most I work with) charge from when they start working. That means from when the keys are pulled of the board to when they're put back on. While it's only a few bolts a side, if you've got stock springs that adds a few minutes... And on and on.... If you're getting charged over two hours you're getting hosed. If you're getting charged under one, you're getting lucky. If you want them to use a torque wrench, don't biatch at the 1 hr plus mark.

Matt

 

Is there a camber plate "how to" somewhere? Just curios as to what is all involved.

 

You also have to take into account who else has been wrenching on the car before you. If somebody used an impact wrench on the nuts, they are a b*tch to get off again.

Steve

 

1) jack up front end and support it safely.
2) Take off wheels.
3) Undo sway bar end-links.
4) Take brake line etc off struts.
5) Undo pinch bolt and drop steering knuckle.
5.1) if you have stock springs on, you may have to get creative to get the strut out of the knuckle. If you have lowering springs on it's a no brainer. For the stock springs, I've used canvass straps to compress the springs a bit (put them on with the suspension loaded) and I've used 2x4s in very "not for the feighnt of heart" ways!
5.2) don't let the knuckle bend away too far from the car, or you may pull out the drive shaft from the tranny.
6) Undo the three top bolts at the top of the strut tower and remove the strut.
7) Undo the top bolt on the strut to remove the stock strut guide. Stock springs will have a little tension here, less if you used the canvass strap, none if you have lowering springs.

Depending on strut plate, you may or maynot use the stock upper spring perch. Follow the camber plate directions for putting it all back togehter.

reverse steps 6-1 and you're done! Set the plates near where they were (if adjustable) and get an alignment.

Matt

 

Is $400.00 too much? that does include a four wheel alignment...

since i have never had this done could they be pulling me in for a real kill?

thanks,

 

(and there is a bit you CAN do in the back, even stock) then it's a very good deal. If it's a good front wheel alignment that takes into account the settings of the rear wheels, then it's a pretty good deal. If they are just BSing you and will do the front wheels only (camber and toe) with the install, then it's not a great deal but not a total rip off. Is it a good shop that high performance drivers go to, and they have repeate business?

For what it's worth, Custom Alignment in Mt View charges $240 for a full 4 wheel alignement on my Mini, with camber plates, and lower rear control arms. Corner balance and ride height adjustment more than doubles that. Here in the SF bay area, shop rates aren't low, so you can use those numbers as a guide to the eye, so to speak.

Matt

 

[quote=Dr Obnxs; Is it a good shop that high performance drivers go to, and they have repeate business?Matt[/quote]


thanks,

The local BMW dealership allows the MINI MechanicHeads work on the side on days off. So, they should know what they are doing since they do have a couple of Mini sales guys who own them also and have work done by the same guys.

Appreciate the input...