Anybody else have trouble with lower control arm bolts slipping and as such, alignment getting out of spec? I put 1LE front lower control arms on prior to going to VIR for one of their "holiday laps" charity runs behind a pace car and had the car aligned, only to leave the track with it tweaked like crazy. It has also slipped under normal street driving; however, it did last a little longer than 6 hours.

I dropped my crossmemeber to pull the oil pan and had to take it to get an alignment. I was trying to get it done before the weekend, so my usual shop couldn't fit me in. Went to one place up the street and they said they couldn't do it without J38658 special tool. Slightly irritated that I waited, but glad I didn't get charged or otherwise ripped off I made an appointment at the local Chevrolet dealer.

The tech comes back with the car and gave me my spec sheet and caster was way out from side to side. When I asked him, he said he didn't have the tool and couldn't adjust it (by the way, usual shop does not have "the tool" and has done several alignments just fine), he only set toe. They were about to charge me for a full alignment, even though he only did 1/3 of it. I also asked for documentation of as found condition and documentation that the bolts were torqued to the factory spec of 144 ft-lbs - I got nothing. So far my worst service has come from the dealer - go figure.

 

The dealer cant align one of their own cars.....? Time to talk to the service writer, manager, owner, district/regional manager, etc. Got mine done in Raleigh at Raleigh Tire, next to Bobby Murray Chev. Brought in my specs and they set it dead on. Something like 4 cas, -0.5 cam, and either 1/16 or 1/32 toe...cant remember. You have several options.
Doug