I have a recently aquired Civic by the name of "Grumpy" (build thread here). Before I bought the car it was involved in a front driver's side surb-strike -- part of the reason I got him for so cheap.
Since Grumpy has been in my care I have redone the front suspension with new bushings, subframe, and tie rods (inner and outer). However, he is still showing some positive camber on that left front wheel.
I compared the suspension parts to the right side when I had them all out of the car and didn't notice anything. However, if I missed even a small bend or irregularity, it could easily be exagerated to the point of being visible once the wheel is on.
So, I'm thinking it's one of three possibilities: (1) Lower control arm (which seems the most likely culprit); (2) Upper control arm; (3) Steering knuckle (seems the least likely). Is there anything I've missed, are my priorities correct, or are there any other considerations I should be aware of? Can an alignment shop fix it without removing parts (just bend it back), or am I just going to have to replace one piece at a time until I find the culprit?
Well it shouldn't have positive camber, at least not much. Is it lowered at all? If it's been lowered and you have positive camber, then something is wrong.
Back in the early 90's when I ran stock class, some guys (not me of course) would have an alignment shop tweak the front (basically put a small bend in the upper control arms) to get more neg camber, so it can be done.
But depending on what the car is to be used for and how important it is to you, I'd try to find the root cause before doing anything else. Now there are adjustable control arms and ball joints that can correct that issue, which I'm thinking is a better option than bending anything.
BTW, Grumpy drove Chevy's.
I think you have it right. If the problem is only on one side, you should start by comparing the left vs. right control arms to see if they're bent on the side that was curb-smacked.
Just for closure, both upper and lower arms amd the spindle were all slightly bent. New ones of each set the problem straight.
As you learned, they bend everything a bit. Lucky you didn't bend the crossmember too.
Oh, the crossmember got replaced too. Luckily, I had the trans out already to replace the clutch.
Ouch... But sometimes that is the way it goes...
wbjones
UltimaDork
7/9/14 5:52 a.m.
but now you should have a pretty good DD'er … and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself 
Exactly! He came to work with me this morning. 10 miles of freeway and he did just fine. Although, as good as my home alignment skills are, we have an appoinment to see a professional about it today.
