Wheel Alignment Problem

[911JeffS]

Hey all -trying to finish my on going project 1977 911S Targa, thought this could be fixed in alignment shop, brought the ride in for alignment, left side front wheel/tire not centered in wheel well, tire rubs by valance near rubber accordion attached to rear of bumper. Wheel seems like about a half inch or so forward. Are we talking bent front A-control arm ? Cross member bent or torsion bar mount position ? The forward t-bar mount was repaired and welded as per battery rust out. Any shared experience appreciated. My son and I measured as many points forward and to back as we could on body, all seems reasonable no visible tub damage. The same side torsion bar was hard to remove when upgraded and replaced. Thanks JD

[Trackrash]

What did the alignment "tec" have to say?

If you measure from the center of the front wheel, when its pointing straight ahead, to the center of the rear wheel, is it the same on both sides of the car?

[911JeffS]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

What did the alignment "tec" have to say?

If you measure from the center of the front wheel, when its pointing straight ahead, to the center of the rear wheel, is it the same on both sides of the car?

Yes Track Thanks for reply, we did meassure that way too. It was about a 1/2 to 1 " out. Techs were capable but might not have much 911 experience. Said its to far out would knock off sensors.
I'm running 17" x 8" euros in front 17x 9 in back. 1977 with SC style flares. we think its control arm, but still trying to prove it right or wrong. Welcome any more thoughts.
I have an extra steel cross member that seems true, if we go with new control arms will give it a try too. Our fear is cross member mounting point with aluminum crossmember may be in play. No visual damage to cross and body lines etc.. looks about as good as a Targa can be, doors hood fenders all good doors ring when closed.

[75 911s]

Sounds like bent front suspension parts, but a 17X8 is a rather big wheel on a normal front flare that could be compounding the issue - what size tire is on that wheel?

Post a straight side shot with the wheel straight. Sometimes you can tell right away just from a pic if it's off. We've looked at so many 911's around here.

[911JeffS]

Thank you 75- I will post photo later (not home at moment) but the wheel base measurement is not the same on both sides so I think we're past a fitment issue (via BV wheel tire fitment posts) Shop tried to center cross member no help. I bought car not knowing history so doing CSI detective work on the suspension. My son and I are leaning on control arm Welcome the input thanks.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by 911JeffS

Yes Track Thanks for reply, we did meassure that way too. It was about a 1/2 to 1 " out. Techs were capable but might not have much 911 experience. Said its to far out would knock off sensors.
I'm running 17" x 8" euros in front 17x 9 in back. 1977 with SC style flares. we think its control arm, but still trying to prove it right or wrong. Welcome any more thoughts.
I have an extra steel cross member that seems true, if we go with new control arms will give it a try too. Our fear is cross member mounting point with aluminum crossmember may be in play. No visual damage to cross and body lines etc.. looks about as good as a Targa can be, doors hood fenders all good doors ring when closed.

Fit also depend on the tire dimensions and wheel ET. Large OD and section width for the tire and low ET will lead to interference where the fender and valance meet. Sometimes a diagonal slice across the joint will provide enough clearance.

Other than that a mislocated hardpoint from the repair would be the prime suspect.

[911JeffS]

Hey Bill thanks for reply, chose tires based on your tire graph, rims are euromeisters front is 8' rim 17/225/45 rear 9" 17/255/40 believe wheel ET 11 and 15 respectfully. The driver side is the issue, the wheel base was a half inch out and also it is the repaired side, so tonight I will remove the three bolts up front and loosen the lift point in back try to move control arm back to confirm arm is fully seated. My friend a mechanic also beat the arm because had trouble removing the t-bar. I wasn't around when that occurred. There is visible damage rear side of the arm too. So maybe bent before he even beat it ? thanks

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by 911JeffS

Hey Bill thanks for reply, chose tires based on your tire graph, rims are euromeisters front is 8' rim 17/225/45 rear 9" 17/255/40 believe wheel ET 11 and 15 respectfully. The driver side is the issue, the wheel base was a half inch out 108" to 107.5" and also it is the repaired side, so tonight I will remove the three bolts up front and loosen the lift point in back try to move control arm back to confirm arm is fully seated. My friend a mechanic also beat the arm because had trouble removing the t-bar. I wasn't around when that occurred. There is visible damage rear side of the arm too. So maybe bent before he even beat it ? thanks

No way I ever suggested using 8ET11 in the front of an SC/Carrera. Even 8ET23.3 is an uncomfortable fit.

Sounds like you may need the services of a good body shop. In Ct there are lots of good choices for that.

[911JeffS]

Bill I must of mis interpreted the chart, will make good rears then. But if wheel were centered it may work very well. Might be some a grindin n a cuttin n a weldin in my future we' ll see, and some swappin and some buyin. Like someone said "great you get to know your car a little better" Amen Brother.

[911JeffS]

**update removed both control arms. The side with issue definitely trash the tbar would not slide in smoothly in or out got hung up, and visually didn't look right..
The cross member was swapped out with steel one that was known true. We went back to aluminum because no problem detected with body alignment both bolted on perfectly.
Just ordered 2 new control arms today.

Love my Euromeisters wheels tires (front 17/8 w225/45) and....(rear 17/9 w255/40) they are PHATT city.
Thanks to all for the input.

[Driven97]

Glad you solved it, bummer you had to buy control arms.

Where did you get a 17x8 Euromeister with the right offset for the front?

[Trackrash]

Let us know if this solves you issue.

[911JeffS]

Hey Matt , Gordon. The new bars seem to have corrected the wheel base numbers. But still tire rubbing front lower fender valance area. I need to get my ride height correct first then I can say whether the 8s really work right. I will post if progress is made this week. Thanks

[911JeffS]

Update gettng closer, we have made some progress, definitely a lot closer than before, front looks better, ride height is looking good. Im sure some will not like "the PHATT look" of tire rim. But if it works, it stays. More soon.

[911JeffS]

I got ride height the way I like it, dropped rear spring plates 1 " (the max for stock) One was down one was neutral so that helped a lot. Front is about perfect. I found a strong shop to finish the job corner balance and alignment maybe more we'll see. If you look closely lots of cars out there are not level or really out of whack especially those for sale. Maybe me just looking closer, but mine looking good e even before shop. I know, I know, post pix, been busy busy, really hot here. Soon.

[Superman]

I just put 215s on the front of my '78 using 7x17 Euromeisters and the tires rub. On both sides. I'm going to have to roll the fenders.

[Driven97]

215s rub? Are you running positive camber or something? I fit real wide for their size 225s without rolling.

[911JeffS]

Ok alignment issues are now solved. I had front fenders rolled (heat gun no damage) alignment came out great. Tracks well and the feel and looks are phenomenal.

[DRACO A5OG]

Congrats!

[911JeffS]

Thanks Draco
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