Rear stabilizer

[JonJon68]

Hi, 97 GP GT 111,000 3.8. Hope this is not a dumb question but we just installed struts today all around and we noticed that my rear stabilizer bar is slightly bent. We don't know if this is the way it's supposed to be shaped or if it's actually bent. My question is should I have this replaced before I get a four point alignment and what effect if any does this bend have on my rear tires. Thanks.
P.S. I was taught that no question is a dumb question. Trying to justify myself here....lol

[BNaylor]

Only if it is a real problem. What part of the anti-sway bar looks bent. It actually has a few areas where it looks bent but I'm quite sure its OK. Like where it loops around the struts and around the middle off center towards the passenger side. Plus there are preformed bends in the complete center area.

[gprixgtp]

What Bnaylor said, and you're right. There are no dumb questions, just dumb people who don't ask questions.

[JonJon68]

It looks bent about a foot from the drivers side rear tire.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

It looks bent about a foot from the drivers side rear tire.

I really don't know how you can tell if it is really bent. The whole bar has preformed bends and IMO looks bent in several spots. Is there any accident damage from impact? Do you see any damage on the bar, rust forming, etc.? It is not easily damaged unless there was some sort of impact damage. I would be concerned if the sway bar was broken and you were getting noise or handling problems.

Chances are it doesn't affect the alignment anyways. But it is your decision.

[richtazz]

It should be symetrically shaped (the same on both sides). If one side looks different than the other, it may be bent. I agree with the previous posters that the only stupid questions are those not asked.

[JonJon68]

I just got my car back from the alignment shop and evidently the rear stabilizer is normal however they said that the left rear "adjusting control arm" is bent and the front caster is out of spec-requires kit to correct. But they were able to align as close as possible. Caster left final 3.40 degrees (Normal), right 3.88 degrees (out of spec). This is all foreign language to me. I'm very familiar with the front control arms but not much with the rear. They didn't seen to be too concerned with this rear arm but noted that it should be replaced. Thanks a million for the help. And please feel free to comment on this latest reply......

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

I just got my car back from the alignment shop and evidently the rear stabilizer is normal however they said that the left rear "adjusting control arm" is bent and the front caster is out of spec-requires kit to correct. But they were able to align as close as possible. Caster left final 3.40 degrees (Normal), right 3.88 degrees (out of spec). This is all foreign language to me. I'm very familiar with the front control arms but not much with the rear. They didn't seen to be too concerned with this rear arm but noted that it should be replaced. Thanks a million for the help. And please feel free to comment on this latest reply......

Not bad considering you have a '97 with wear n tear.

Here are the factory specs in degrees for a '97 Grand Prix:

CAMBER
Front 0.35 to 1.15 Preferred 0.85
Rear -1.5 to -0.5 Preferred -1.0

CASTER
Front 2.7 to 3.7 Preferred 3.2

TOE-IN
Front -0.2 to 0.2 Preferred 0
Rear 0 to 0.2 Preferred 0.1

Just out of curiosity did you get the camber specs?

The problem with the left rear control arm would be very concerning if they were not able to get the toe in/out adjusted to specs.

BTW - You do know that caster is not adjustable per se. Normally it is a worn out part that may need replacement. Camber can be adjusted maybe up to 1.5 degrees with a camber kit which has an eccentric bolt for adjustment.

Alignment Basics:

http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

[JonJon68]

Camber front Total 0.12"
Camber Rear Total -0.01"

Hope this is what you're looking for. let me know. Thanks

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

Camber front Total 0.12"
Camber Rear Total -0.01"

Hope this is what you're looking for. let me know. Thanks

Did you get the figures in degrees?

[JonJon68]

Initial Final

Camber Left -1.16 -1.16
Front Right -0.86 -0.87

Camber
Rear Left -0.65 -0.65
Right -0.79 -0.79
All in degrees, sorry bout that Bob. Thanks again

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

Initial Final

Camber Left -1.16 -1.16
Front Right -0.86 -0.87

Camber
Rear Left -0.65 -0.65
Right -0.79 -0.79
All in degrees, sorry bout that Bob. Thanks again

Thanks for the info Paul and you're welcome. Doesn't look all that bad. Your borderline specs are centered around the left side of the vehicle. I see the left front camber is going to need help sooner or later. The camber kit I mentioned should take care of that. I have one from Intrax installed on both of my front struts.

BTW - The camber kit will probably resolve that caster issue mentioned earlier. Camber wiil affect caster.

[JonJon68]

Bob, thanks for that info. I don't know anything about caster, camber, or the kits involved, I only know that my car is supposed to drive straight lol. Just what will I need to do to get this left camber straightened out? Is it a DIY job? How much am I looking at? And would i need to re-align when the camber/caster is fixed? Please bear with me with all the questions.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by JonJon68

Bob, thanks for that info. I don't know anything about caster, camber, or the kits involved, I only know that my car is supposed to drive straight lol. Just what will I need to do to get this left camber straightened out? Is it a DIY job? How much am I looking at? And would i need to re-align when the camber/caster is fixed? Please bear with me with all the questions.

I know what you mean Paul. Alignment can be complex. On the camber kit it will run around $25.00 or so. All the kit contains is an eccentric bolt and a nut. The kit will come with a bolt for each side (front). The bolt will take the place of the stock bolt located at the top hole of the strut mount at the steering knuckle assembly. The strut holes are elongated per the instructions you will receive. You can use a rat tail file manually or a Dremel type moto-tool. The kit will allow just enough adjustment to bring camber into specs which is around the middle of the figures given.

The kit can be done DIY, however, needless to say a new alignment (only front) will need to be performed again. If the camber is out all the tech will need to do is adjust the eccentric bolt after you inform them you have a camber kit installed.

Thats pretty much it. Good luck!