I went to get my car aligned and they said they would need caster shims to do it. I have a 98 sedan ex 5sp. That didn't sound right at all, plus they wanted 80 bucks. I have had alignments done for $40 in Texas. So I guess my question is: CAn't they adjust the caster without shims, and what is a fair price a for alignment plus shims, if needed? Thanks.

 

Adjusting the caster does involve using shims, it's true.

Caster doesn't get "off" very often though, any accidents? Potholes?

It'd be more money, but if you are worried, take it to your local Honda dealer, they'll be able to do it.

 

If you need caster shims, chances are something in your car is either bent or not mounted properly. Sometimes caster gets messed up by improperly adjusted/slipped camber kits.

In any case, caster shims will weaken the rigidity of your lower control arm assembly. They are more of a work around for a problem, not a solution.

 

Oh yeah, just so that you know, caster is not adjustable, and shims are merely washers that they insert between the two halves of the LCA.

 

been a while since I did and alignment on the honda's but I though you adjusted the caster by putting shims in the rod going from the lower control arm up to the front part of the sub frame? And the shims were at the sub frame?

either way caster does not cause tire wear but depending on how bad its out may cause a pull. Then the shop should have explained that. If they didn't I'd try another shop. Also always ask for a pre and post printout and if possible watch the guy do the alignment. I've worked with guys that would move the heads to make the readings right just to get done quicker.

 

So the shims/washers are placed where the lower control arm meets the frame? So they take the bolt holding the lower control arm out, put the shim on one side or the other, then out it back on?

And as far as a camber kit. I have read that the camber is not adjustable on Accords and therefore needs a kit. I am pretty sure this is true but wanted to ask you guys first.

So from here, from the advice Ive got from you guys is to take it to a shop. A different one then the last one. (their printer was out of paper: convienent right) and watch them do the work and if my toe, caster and camber are all within spec (or recomended specs), I shouldn't even need an alignment.
I hit a curb going about 5 miles an hour, but later that day a semi tire rolled into my lane and hit my car - so it could be either one of these that messed it up. It's just a slight pull/veer to the right, but I want to fix it before the snow really hits.
Thanks

 

No caster shims are needed, here how it works, On Hondas, IE Prelude/Accord(Not Type R or SiR-T 99 up) Honda has wut is called a "Radius Arm(Radius link) " Its a long rod that bolts to the lower control arm, just behind the strut fork. This is how Caster is adjusted on Honda models with a radius arm. The radius arm bolts thru the front of the sub-frame. At times after have had accidents or bad driving(road) conditions the rubberbushings/inserts behind the large nut and washer deteriate causing a deviation in the caster .The adjuster shims are used on teh radius rod and not the lower control arm, if you know how check and make sure that yur radius arm bushings arent done for.Hope the images work, yu might want to save and open in adobe.

 

This is also how I was thinking to adjust the caster. I'd still like to see the before specs.

 

most places that are doing algnments are tryin 2 make a buck tho and telling you this, most honda's dont need to get the caster done unless, its driven thru bad road consitions often or has had any kind of accident , preferablly lower front or on the front left or right. But 90 percent the time the radius rod bushings are just worn down., Ther see a lot more abuse than people would think, moving up and down and keeping the lower control arm from moving forth and aft. After driving thru potholes for a long period of time will surelly wear those bushings down.