Alignment after H&R Spring install?

[Malarky]

Hello everyone!

What are your thoughts on the necessity of an alignment after installing an H&R spring kit and RE spacers? I am mainly concerned with tire wear in the future. If you do believe an alignment is necessary, can you recommend a camber plate kit or is any generic kit applicable?

Thanks for your help!

PS - I am very happy with this combination and would highly recommend it not just for looks, but also for handling performance. Body roll is greatly reduced and turn-in seems to have improved.

-Carl

[modbargains]

After spring install, wait approx. two weeks and then get an alignment. It is a must!

[J08M3]

Why wait two weeks? If they are quality springs they stay the same as the day they were installed. But yes you need an alignment.

[modbargains]

Originally Posted by J08M3

Why wait two weeks? If they are quality springs they stay the same as the day they were installed. But yes you need an alignment.

The two week period is a rule of thumb, mostly because it allows for the spring to be settled.

[J08M3]

springs don't settle unless they are cheap springs.

[modbargains]

Take it for what you will, I am just giving him my professional advice, nothing more, nothing elss.

[J08M3]

Not arguing, it's just a myth that's been going around this forum and I'm trying to clear it up for some people.

If anybody would like to do some independent test to confirm it would be great. Actual measurements not just by look. It would be great to have an official test on here for reference. Of course after any time the car is jacked up in the air you must let the suspension settle back down but that should only take a couple minute drive around the block.

[askiles]

Springs might not settle, but I could see the rubber parts needing time to settle a little. There are isolators on top and bottom of the springs, that would expand slightly when decompressed, and then would need to fully compress once again. Granted this is the slightest difference, but I could see this being considered spring settling.

Also to the OP, on the H&R springs, there should be enough adjustment in the stock form of the suspension to get the suspension back into spec. No need for aftermarket caster/camber plates.

-Andy

[modbargains]

Originally Posted by J08M3

Not arguing, it's just a myth that's been going around this forum and I'm trying to clear it up for some people.

If anybody would like to do some independent test to confirm it would be great. Actual measurements not just by look. It would be great to have an official test on here for reference. Of course after any time the car is jacked up in the air you must let the suspension settle back down but that should only take a couple minute drive around the block.

No hard feelings here, we're all in this together and just trying to make the M a better experience for one another. I too would like to see a test of sorts.

Originally Posted by askiles

Springs might not settle, but I could see the rubber parts needing time to settle a little. There are isolators on top and bottom of the springs, that would expand slightly when decompressed, and then would need to fully compress once again. Granted this is the slightest difference, but I could see this being considered spring settling.

Also to the OP, on the H&R springs, there should be enough adjustment in the stock form of the suspension to get the suspension back into spec. No need for aftermarket caster/camber plates.

-Andy

Andy, you also have a point here. +1 on your statement to the OP.

[Malarky]

Originally Posted by askiles

Also to the OP, on the H&R springs, there should be enough adjustment in the stock form of the suspension to get the suspension back into spec. No need for aftermarket caster/camber plates.

-Andy

Thank you Andy! I will be sure to get an alignment as soon as possible. It is good to hear that no caster/camber plates are necessary.

Many thanks to everyone who replied!

-Carl

[SV Concepts]

Never heard the 2 weeks. I have, however, been told that the car needs to be driven around the block for the springs to settle.

Definitely get an alignment though.

[niterider]

I would also re-load all ur suspension components to the new ride height along with ur alignment. This will help avoid over stressing suspension components. Which will lead to early bushing failure, clunking sounds, unsafe handling etc. I see this all the time on lowered cars.