Need help. Does anyone out there know how the factory bolts adjust the camber? I took them to 3 local alignment shops and they all gave me a different explanation. The most far fetched exp. was that he would have to cut a slot in the control arm so it could move back and forth, then tighten the bolt. He won't touch my car ever. The Chrysler dealer won't align it out of factory specs. Neither of thes 3 guys have a clue but they all know that they''re supposed to charge $45.00 to install each bolt. Thats California.
If someone knows how these bolts adjust the camber I would deeply appreciate a detailed explanation. When I get desperate I pray. I'm praying for a reply. Amen.

 

theres a slot that the bolt goes into in the lower control arm. the bolt has an eccentric washer and as the washer is turned it changes the camber. the degree of change isn't that much.
the only way to install the bolt and change the degree of camber is to compress the spring to take the pressure off the bolts then move the washer and release the tension on the spring. then check alignment. this could take a couple hrs to get it right

 

Thanks for the reply Krazy. The bolt does have a slot in one end. does that have anything to do with changing the camber? Also the 2 washers have a raised V on one side. The washers are perfectly round except for a 5/8" flat spot. Is the flat spot what you move to change the camber? Do you move the flat spot on both washers? I'm real close to understanding this. Please don't quit now.

 

to completely understand the idea you need to get under the car and see how the bolt is installed now. then envision the new bolt in place with the flat spot on the washer against the stop on the a arm. rotate the washer and then it will become clear how the washer changes the camber. the idea is simple but the actual labor to do it is a bit involved

 

 

thanx brian! my bolts are in a box of a ton of other stuff and i just got the new 32 home last nit. hopefully he will understand the process now

 

Im gussing that there is a cutout in each side of the control arm that the raised V on the washers go into.
When either of the washers is turned the V moves the control arm and that changes the camber. The other washer doesnt have to be turned, it follows the control arm. Is this correct? If so then I'm curious about why the bolt is slotted.
Does it matter whether the bolts go in from the front or the rear?

 

When you remove the old bolt you will see two" v's" on each side of where the stock bolt was inserted. The new bolt can be inserted to increase or decrease camber and the washer help to lock it into position. I did all four by replacing one at at time. Took some work but my alignment is perfect after lowering the car.

 

Tnx for the reply. Let's say I have the bolt in properly. What I don't understand is how to adjust it. Do I adjust the camber by turning the bolt or by turning the washer. Out of all the advice I got that remains a mystery. I thank you in advance for clearing this up.
also I assume that I only replace the front bolt. Is that correct?

 

You cant adjust them you can only add or subract about 2 or 3 degrees, (can't remember exactly). the bolt only go in two ways.

 

Once again: Each front lower control arm attaches to the frame with 2 bolts. Do both control arm bolts get replaced or just the front one?

 

I am under the impression you need 4 for the front, so I would say both on each side

 

The front bolt is for camber..... I believe the rear bolt is for toe... but it does affect the camber too...
they only installed the front bolts when I took mine in for the 4 wheel alignment...that got it just into spec at -1.3 left and -1.5 right (spec: -1.5 to -0.9) for front camber.... I would really like a little less negative camber in front... I had the rear set at -0.9 degrees (spec: -1.6 to -0.6).

 

Thanks Mike, that confirms what I suspected. I only bought 2 bolts. Who did your work for you? I'm afraid to take it to any of the yeahoos in this area. They look at the bolts and don't have a clue. But I can't blame them for that. The application isn't obvious. Vince

 

To you or I, maybe not, but if you found a good suspension shop, they will know EXACTLY what to do with those, as Mike confirmed....

 

I just took it in to Les Schwab out here.... the only thing that ticked me off was them charging me $45 EACH to install the camber bolts.... good thing for my wallet they didnt do all four...

 

That seems to be the going price. Still, I'd rather pay the $90.00 than tackle it myself. I'll see if there's a Les Schwab nearby. Tnx