dbfruth

I took the car to the dealer to get an alignment Friday and they found that the right rear was -0.11 degrees. The specified range is -0.03 to +0.28 degrees. They said that they can't shim it and get it back where it should be, that there is not a shim that would work. Is this true? So far I have been told that it can't be shimmed period by another dealer and my usual dealer is telling me that it can be shimmed but they don't have one that will work. I am concerned about tire wear. I have to go back next week to have another part replaced, should I make them fix it?

Kennys2009HHR

I would try another dealer or 2 and see what they say

gjtoth

Is this warranty work? If not, take it to a reputable mechanic and go from there.

dbfruth

The car is under warranty but alignments are not covered after the first 7500 miles. I would take it somewhere else but I have already been two places and at $75 to $85 I can't afford to be going all over town.

wysguy

I also put my 2008 HHR on an alignment rack (83 miles on odometer) "because I always wanted to put a brand new car on an alignment rack" and found the rear camber out as well.
at least my issue was shim-able. I'm guessing that shims would make the tire lean more in the wrong direction, I wonder if they could grind down the contact point to bring the angle in a little
good luck

dbfruth

The camber is within spec. The toe angle is what is out of spec.

Silverfox

I have owned 3 Chevy Venture Vans over the last several years and each one has had the identical problem. Rear tire cupping and eventually constant noise from the tread pattern developed from misalignment. At first I thought I had a rear wheel bearing failing.
I have taken each one in each time while under warantee but because there was no technical bulletin with this issue they wouldn't do a thing for me. What a great warrantee program they have. Just cop outs.....
I finally took the latest car to a recommended front end shop and they shimmed and fixed it including a complete 4 way align for $85. Car runs true now and 15,000 miles since fixed with no cupping.
Remember I said three new vans with the same problem over a period of 5 years. No co operation at all. JERKS !!!!!
If you push the issue they might relent, but they will most likely say you hit something or what ever else comes to mind.
I would make sure the issue is documented on your copy of a work order describing the problem. At least when you have problems later you should have a case.
See if you can get them to determine if it is a bent spindle or a defective rear axle. Get that in writing also. If they say defective axle ... they blew it and you may have a case.

It never hurts to try but you may just have to bite the bullet and get it fixed.
Good Luck....