Corner Balancing and alignment after coilover install?

[hydro 481]

Got my UP coilovers installed a few weeks ago. They recommended that I get corner balancing and alignment done. I know it’s not necessary but would it be a good idea to get them done? Thanks.

 

[kbecks13]

Alignment for sure, the corner balance isn't super mandatory but it's a good idea and since you have the adjustability with the coilovers, might as well.

 

[SD_Engnr]

Unless you have adjustable sway bar end links, I don't know that a proper corner balancing can be performed. I guess they can get you close enough, but there will be some mount of preload that will be present.

 

[hydro 481]

Unless you have adjustable sway bar end links, I don't know that a proper corner balancing can be performed. I guess they can get you close enough, but there will be some mount of preload that will be present.

Alignment for sure, the corner balance isn't super mandatory but it's a good idea and since you have the adjustability with the coilovers, might as well.

Thanks guys. Any recommendations for places to go in San Diego / So Cal?

 

[beastmode13]

Unless you have adjustable sway bar end links, I don't know that a proper corner balancing can be performed. I guess they can get you close enough, but there will be some mount of preload that will be present.

@SD_Engnr Would you mind explaining this? Since the end link attachment point on the damper is below the spring preload section or the unsprung portion of the suspension. Thanks in advance for your clarification.

 

[SD_Engnr]

Thanks guys. Any recommendations for places to go in San Diego / So Cal?

I've got an appointment next week at HG Performance in San Marcos.

@SD_Engnr Would you mind explaining this? Since the end link attachment point on the damper is below the spring preload section or the unsprung portion of the suspension. Thanks in advance for your clarification.

Check your front sway bar end links. You should notice that there is pre-load being induced because the front sway doesn't easily rotate. Yes, the attachment point is below the spring preload section, but it's location relative to the stock location moves as soon as you alter the height of the car. If you don't adjust the length when you lower the car, you're now pulling up on the front sway bar.

See crude picture that I quickly made:

 

[dfwatt]

I've got an appointment next week at HG Performance in San Marcos.


Check your front sway bar end links. You should notice that there is pre-load being induced because the front sway doesn't easily rotate. Yes, the attachment point is below the spring preload section, but it's location relative to the stock location moves as soon as you alter the height of the car. If you don't adjust the length when you lower the car, you're now pulling up on the front sway bar.

See crude picture that I quickly made:
View attachment 431186

So what's the fix for this? Also MPP talks about retorquing suspension bushings at the new ride height but which ones? They can't all be critical.

 

[SD_Engnr]

So what's the fix for this? Also MPP talks about retorquing suspension bushings at the new ride height but which ones? They can't all be critical.

The bushings to be concerned with in the rear will be the lower knuckle and damper bolts, and for the front, I'm assuming just the damper bolt, but not completely sure.

Adjustable end links will fix the pre-load issue. Or, if you spent $$$$ on the MCS coilovers, they have an adjustable end link bracket.

I've installed and am testing a universal Whiteline end links for the front, and am awaiting a pair for the rear. I'll share this info as soon as I confirm whether or not they'll allow for a proper corner balancing of the car.

I've also reached out to SPL Parts, and they currently have a lot of R&D going on right now, and have designed a few of the rear arms. Not sure of the official timeline, but they commented that it shouldn't be too much longer before they release their products for the 3.

 

[beastmode13]

The bushings to be concerned with in the rear will be the lower knuckle and damper bolts, and for the front, I'm assuming just the damper bolt, but not completely sure.

Adjustable end links will fix the pre-load issue. Or, if you spent $$$$ on the MCS coilovers, they have an adjustable end link bracket.

I've installed and am testing a universal Whiteline end links for the front, and am awaiting a pair for the rear. I'll share this info as soon as I confirm whether or not they'll allow for a proper corner balancing of the car.

I've also reached out to SPL Parts, and they currently have a lot of R&D going on right now, and have designed a few of the rear arms. Not sure of the official timeline, but they commented that it shouldn't be too much longer before they release their products for the 3.

Thanks for the explanation. Please do keep us posted on the adjustable end-links. I guess I will be postponing my corner balancing appt next week.

 

[SD_Engnr]

Thanks for the explanation. Please do keep us posted on the adjustable end-links. I guess I will be postponing my corner balancing appt next week.

Will do. Rears arrive tomorrow, and if they look like they'll fit, I'll install them.

They can probably get you close, but that might require setting the side to side ride heights differently to account for the preload.

 

[hydro 481]

I've got an appointment next week at HG Performance in San Marcos.

Thanks. Have you been there before?

 

[SD_Engnr]

Thanks. Have you been there before?

Yes. They did brake line swap, replaced brake fluid, and mounted/balanced my first set of track tires. They are not close to me (40 min drive), but after my experience with a closer shop, the drive is worth it.

 

[hydro 481]

Yes. They did brake line swap, replaced brake fluid, and mounted/balanced my first set of track tires. They are not close to me (40 min drive), but after my experience with a closer shop, the drive is worth it.

I'm also in SD so they're 40 mins away from me too. But since you can vouch for them I'll go check them out. Thank you.

 

[kbecks13]

Thanks guys. Any recommendations for places to go in San Diego / So Cal?

A bit far for you, but one of the better shops around LA is West End Alignment. They're great guys and are roughly familiar with Tesla's now.

 

[hydro 481]

A bit far for you, but one of the better shops around LA is West End Alignment. They're great guys and are roughly familiar with Tesla's now.

Thanks.

I’m hearing a faint squeaking noise after the coilovers were installed. Not sure if it’s related to it?

 

[kbecks13]

I’m hearing a faint squeaking noise after the coilovers were installed. Not sure if it’s related to it?

Could possibly be bushings, Model 3 can be a bit finnicky with how you re-torque the suspension. i'd check to see if it was torqued with the vehicle at ride height or not.

 

[SD_Engnr]

Quick update -

Corner balance and alignment complete! Toe was way off, and that could have been a result of the coilover and adjustable toe and camber arm install (install shop modified the lengths even though directions said not to...). This likely contributed to some irregular tire wear that was then causing the car to pull left after the alignment (with hands off the wheel). The shop performed a road force balance on the wheels/tires, and then rotated them to reduce/eliminate the pull. Car handles and feels much more planted now.

Endlinks: Whiteline KLC180-295 (front), KLC102 (rear)

 

[beastmode13]

I installed MPP toe and camber arms on my P3. Despite what MPP instructions claimed that the arm are pre-adjuster from them, I found that to be the contrary for the parts I received. Both toe and camber arm were preset ~7mm too long compare to stock arms. If I have not verified with stock arms, my car would have comical amount of toe out and positive camber.

Attached are photos of MPP arm right out of box compare to stock P3 arms.

 

[hydro 481]

Quick update -

Corner balance and alignment complete! Toe was way off, and that could have been a result of the coilover and adjustable toe and camber arm install (install shop modified the lengths even though directions said not to...). This likely contributed to some irregular tire wear that was then causing the car to pull left after the alignment (with hands off the wheel). The shop performed a road force balance on the wheels/tires, and then rotated them to reduce/eliminate the pull. Car handles and feels much more planted now.

Endlinks: Whiteline KLC180-295 (front), KLC102 (rear)

Nice! Good to hear your car is doing good now.

Did you go to HG Performance? I tried scheduling with them but they’re not opened on weekends so I’ll have to wait and see when I can go.

 

[SD_Engnr]

Nice! Good to hear your car is doing good now.

Did you go to HG Performance? I tried scheduling with them but they’re not opened on weekends so I’ll have to wait and see when I can go.

Yes, I had it done at HG. The M-F schedule is tough, but they will work with you if traveling to/from is an issue.