Club 80-90 Forums

Hi Guys,

Just got my van back from the workshop. I wanted to get the wheel alignment done. They adjusted the front and the handling feels better. They said the caster angle was out quite a bit but can't be adjusted. Is that correct? They also didn't adjust the rear. They said it couldn't be adjusted as my van doesn't have the necessary adjustment bolts (camber bolts I think they said). My Haynes manual says the rear can be adjusted. I did query whether they meant the bolts were seized as I know that happens but they said no it just doesn't have the adjustment bolts. Did some models come without?

Cheers,
Tim.

Here is a scan of the report post alignment

https://goo.gl/photos/ktMToDY14xMs87i6A

The description at the top looks like they might have put in the wrong settings. 1991-12/1995. Does that mean 1991 - 1995? That would be a T4 surely?

Cheers
Tim.

These are the correct settings.The rear wheel camber can be set on these vans,methinks your place hasn't got a clue.
http://wiki.club8090.co.uk/index.php/St ... _Alignment" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Worth a read..https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewt ... p?t=289174" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes they think its a T4, Eurovan is American for T4.

So I went back to collect my wheel which they had repaired for me. Whilst I was there I asked them what the 1991-12/1995 meant at the top of the report and they confirmed that was the model near range so I pointed out that would be a T4. I also pointed out the rear is fully adjustable and that the caster angles are too. He said they couldn't find a record for 1991 for the T3 range in their system. They went away to look at their system and came back with two printouts. One was for 82 to 1990 and the other was for 1991-1995. Interestingly I've just noticed my Haynes manual says 1982 - 1990 too but my van is definitely registered in 1991. His excuse for not knowing the caster angle could be changed by bolts on the radius rods was that the guy who did my van was only 26 and not old enough to know how these old vans are adjusted. I asked whether they could change the rear and the caster angles now they know they are adjustable and he said no we won't change that as they are probably seized on an old van like this. He said that whilst the tolerances and settings are different on the T4, it wouldn't have changed the adjustments they made to the front but he could reprint the report with the correct settings if I liked. As they weren't going to adjust anything I didn't bother. Especially as they don't appear to know what they are doing. Despite that, it definitely drives better since they adjusted the front. It feels less skittish and drives and brakes in a straight line. Hopefully it doesn't shred my tyres.

Cheers,
Tim.

Just seen this post Tim. How similar is your experience with the garage to what I predicted? Nevermind. If you still want to compare brakes, drop me a text and we'll see if we can cross paths.

Depressingly exactly as you predicted. I took a chance as it needed doing and they were recommended. Definitely won't be going back there in a rush.

Get yourself some strings, a couple of poles/ brush handles, 4 axle stands, a measuring tape and a spirit level. You can do all of your alignment with those except caster angle. Haven't figured out how to diy caster yet!

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boatbuilder wrote:Get yourself some strings, a couple of poles/ brush handles, 4 axle stands, a measuring tape and a spirit level. You can do all of your alignment with those except caster angle. Haven't figured out how to diy caster yet!

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You are correct, there are YouTube videos and a write up in the Wiki showing how to do it, the problem is I believe, Tim is in a similar situation to myself - not as much time to tinker as one would like, hence the reliance on 'specialists' which is all the more annoying when they turn out to be 'impotents'.

what2do wrote: Tim is in a similar situation to myself - not as much time to tinker as one would like, hence the reliance on 'specialists' which is all the more annoying when they turn out to be 'impotents'.

That's right. I would love to take the time to learn and do a bit of DIY but just can't find the time. Disappointing the co-called experts didn't come up trumps. If I waited till I found the time though I'd be a pensioner

Take van to a large accident repair center, for 4 wheel geometry. All cars are geometry checked before work will progress, they will have more experience using the gear