I got my wheels aligned today and didn't look at the vehicle alignment report until I got home. The "final" result for front right caster was 6.59 degrees, better than the initial 6.42 but still "out of spec". The camber measurement went from initial -1.37(left) to -1.42, while the right camber went from -1.74 to -1.75, both final measurements "out of spec". Toe was corrected to in spec.
The right rear camber was-1.17 with the final result being-1.12, still out of spec. The rear toe was all in spec to begin with. Is this normal? Did I get ripped off ($100)?

 

I'm going through all that with my 97 XK8. The front castor and camber are not adjustable though there is an eccentric bolt you can get for the upper control arm to adjust the camber. To adjust the castor you have to re-arrange the 4 shims on the upper wishbone which is not easy but can be done at the same time as installing the eccentric bolt. Before doing all that first you have to make sure all the control arm bushings and ball joints etc are in good shape. Those parts if worn can throw off the alignment.
The rear has no camber adjustment but it can be altered by changing the half-shaft shims. My alignment guy told me not to worry about the rear camber unless it gets to around -1.5 or so. He said the rear toe-in needs to be in spec or you will get uneven tire wear. The rear camber can also change if you have weak springs/damaged or missing spacers/pads.
With the car on level ground measure from the center of the wheel cap to the fender lip. Optimum is 15.74" for all 4 wheels If its down to 15" or less you have weak springs and/or bad bushings etc.


Dave

 

Thanks, Dave. The tire dealer just called and said essentially the same thing. I am guessing it isn't worth getting things you indicated done to have all values in spec. Thanks from Newtown PA.

 

The castor being off wont effect tire wear but can make the car pull to one side. If the lower ball joints are worn it can cause tire wear on the inside. If you drive slowly over a speed bump sometimes they will make a clunk if bad. But bad control arm bushing can make noises also.
Mine was wearing the front tires on the inside rather quickly and the toe-in was off and so is the castor on one side. Had the car on the lift 3 times and haven't found any obviously bad front end parts yet. And nothing makes noise over speed bumps, seems as tight as a new car.

Dave

 

My front tires were badly worn on the inside too. Mechanic tells me front end parts are OK. it feels much tighter after the toe alignment.
Frank