Suspension Clearance

[Destrto]

Hey everyone, I have another question for you all. It's a bit difficult for me to explain, but I'll try my best.

So, I seem to be having an issue where, when I turn my wheel to full lock left, the front driver side wheel is rubbing against the (I don't know the right word for it) piece that the Front upper control arm connects to. I am running stock wheels, with adjustable upper control arms and adjustable tension rods, with new tie rod ends. I have taken it to be aligned twice now, and it still seems to happen. The front passenger side wheel does not rub anywhere when the wheel is turned to full lock right.

I'm honestly not sure what else to check for. Nothing looks bent or misshapen on either side that might cause that. And I know the alignment shop is getting tired of me bringing in the car.

If you need any more info, just let me know. I'll try to explain anything as best I can.

[centralcoaster33]

I don't know your car, so take this idea with a grain of salt... What if there are unequal length tie rods from the rack to the steering knuckles? If there are, and they are close, but unequal in length, could it be possible that the wrong tie rod was installed on one side or the other? That might make it close enough to get an alignment for straight wheels forward, but when turning, the angle of the wheels wouldn't be equal in the left to right vs right to left measurement (not sure how to write that). That or steering rack shift. Like it moved left or right, due to worn bushings, and was aligned off center like that, so one side is now longer than the other.

[Destrto]

I don't know your car, so take this idea with a grain of salt... What if there are unequal length tie rods from the rack to the steering knuckles? If there are, and they are close, but unequal in length, could it be possible that the wrong tie rod was installed on one side or the other? That might make it close enough to get an alignment for straight wheels forward, but when turning, the angle of the wheels wouldn't be equal in the left to right vs right to left measurement (not sure how to write that). That or steering rack shift. Like it moved left or right, due to worn bushings, and was aligned off center like that, so one side is now longer than the other.

I'm sure that's possible. It seems a little far fetched, but I mean, it could happen, I'm sure. The biggest thing that I remember, is that before I put on new FUCA's, tie rods, and tension rods it drove straight and I could turn to wheel lock on either side without anything rubbing or hitting.

Also worth noting, that my camber was way off before these parts were replaced as well. Hence, the reason for getting new parts. And it seems like ever since that work was done, things have gotten worse. So, normally, that would tell me that A) the work wasn't done correctly. Or B) The parts I bought were faulty. Now, also being me, I'm more inclined to trust the parts over the mechanic. But the fact remains that it's been looked at 3 times now by them and they can't find anything "wrong" with their work.

[brian300zx]

Spindle could be bent as well those are never noticeable they can look completely fine but still be bent ever so slightly

[fastVG30DETT]

Did you get a printout with the measurements?

[Destrto]

Spindle could be bent as well those are never noticeable they can look completely fine but still be bent ever so slightly

Oh? That would make sense, and account for the issue. Any idea where I might find some to buy? Is there an actual name for them or a part number?

[Destrto]

Did you get a printout with the measurements?

The shop that did the alignment claims they have no printer to do so.

I'm kind of stuck in an area where there aren't really any reputable shops to do the work. SO I'm trying to do the best I can with what's available to me.

[centralcoaster33]

What is your front rim size (all specs plus offset) and front tire size (all specs)?

[Destrto]

What is your front rim size (all specs plus offset) and front tire size (all specs)?

Front Wheel is N/A stock. So 16" x 7.5" with 45mm offset. Per stock info from the guide.

Now, the tires are 225/55/16, which technically are 1 step taller than stock. However, the tires that these replaced were the same exact dimensions and I had no issues with those before any work was done.

[fastVG30DETT]

Of those parts installed, I think only the tension rods could have such an effect. Does the left wheel sit in the well the same as the right? Apart from a failure somewhere else, that is my guess.

[Destrto]

Of those parts installed, I think only the tension rods could have such an effect. Does the left wheel sit in the well the same as the right? Apart from a failure somewhere else, that is my guess.

They look like they have the same clearance on both sides. Using a simple measure tape from the ground, they are within millimeters of each other from left to right side.

[centralcoaster33]

Are your new arms and rods OEM? If adjustable aftermarket, comparing their length to the OEM pieces might be just as important as left to right sides.

Your front left tire, the inside edge of it rubs against the FUCA bracket (stuck to the chassis) during full left lock, is that correct?

If your tie rod was too short, it could do that. If your tire was too wide, it could do that. If your tension rod was too long, it could do that. If all three were off a bit, in the directions mentioned, that could compound to a situation where the tire would rub like that.

[Destrto]

They are not OEM. And I honestly don't know if they were adjusted or aligned to Nissan Spec.

Yes, the front left wheel (rim) rubs against the FUCA bracket enough to knock off the balancing weight and shave off material from the wheel. As far as I can tell, it does not rub the tire itself.. And here more recently, it has started rubbing on both sides now, when turning in either direction. As the inner balance weights on both front tires have been knocked off now. More specifically, this has happened from turning to wheel lock left and right respectively.

I've been looking in my area for more reputable shops to take another look at it, and hopefully give me a better answer as to what might be wrong, or causing this issue.

[centralcoaster33]

I think you need OEM parts (best option) or someone to give you precise measurements (workaround option) to match up the lengths, verify no issues with rub/ interference, then make fine adjustment to achieve proper alignment angles. I don't think anything should differ from OEM measurements by more than a quarter inch. Anything that's out half an inch or more is probably your culprit.

[Destrto]

I think you need OEM parts (best option) or someone to give you precise measurements (workaround option) to match up the lengths, verify no issues with rub/ interference, then make fine adjustment to achieve proper alignment angles. I don't think anything should differ from OEM measurements by more than a quarter inch. Anything that's out half an inch or more is probably your culprit.

Yea, i agree. I started off not liking that the place that did the alignment and installed the parts couldn't give me a printout of the specs everything came out to. So as it stands, i have no way of knowing if anything is even within spec from the alignment.

[centralcoaster33]

Well, I hope it goes smoothly for you. Also, just to clarify, I'm not suggesting you need to install OEM parts, simply that you need some OEM parts so you can match up your aftermarket parts to them, as a sort of starting point. Or, getting someone else with OEM parts to give you measurements to match up to your aftermarket parts. I re-read my previous post and it's not totally clear, but I'm sure you get it.