Wheel alignment for lowered A4's?

[rahip4567]

I am having issues after being lowered on 19' wheels. It's mainly on the highway when driving at high speeds of 70-80+mph. I did have some vibration issues but that was somewhat fixed with a road force balance, but however now I feel shaking in the drivers seat, gas pedal, and sometimes the break. And once I speed up I also feel like the front tires are loose and aren't tightened enough. Also when I break at high speeds, my steering wheel gets too loose and somehow turns and this even happens at low speeds.

So i plan on going to Firestone to get an alignment but want to know if dealers or indy shops use manufacturer wheel alignment settings for lowered cars?

[Project Quattro]

Did you do springs or coilovers? I had mine aligned at Town Fair Tire after the springs were installed and haven't had an issue. There are several performance shops around that specialize in European cars and can do post-drop alignments, although the higher end shops charge around $200 for it. Fairfield County Motorsport is one option.


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[rahip4567]

I'm on St. Coilovers and I contacted Fairfield county motorsports and they quoted me $200 for an alignment. I also had Excelerate install the coils for me but honestly I believe they did everything right because I started having issues after trying to get the vibration fixed.

Also does anyone know what size wheel spacers i can install in the front and rear? I'm on 19x8.5/35 offset M590 wheels on 255/35/19 Toyo tires.

[r6_11b8]

first make sure your tires are balanced correctly...then get your alignment (200 is kinda steep if you ask me) if the problem persists then have them check your coilover installation

[Project Quattro]

I'm on St. Coilovers and I contacted Fairfield county motorsports and they quoted me $200 for an alignment. I also had Excelerate install the coils for me but honestly I believe they did everything right because I started having issues after trying to get the vibration fixed.

I got the same quote from them, which is why I went with Town Fair Tire. In and out in half an hour for about $80. I was just suggesting FCM as an option if you run out of luck at other places, because they're definitely equipped to handle modded cars. I agree with @rs_11b8, though, that wheel balancing should be done first.

[richardm0025]

I feel like the road force balance was a band aid fix for the 70+ highway driving shaking and what not. Audi replaced my lower control arms then the issue was fixed. Then I went with H&R Coilovers and 19x9.5 wheels and do not have problems. I still have to get an alignment, however I have the car dropped as much as it can go (even on all four sides) and my steering is straight and my tires have been wearing evenly the last 7000 miles, so idk if I should even bother?

[rahip4567]

I had the tires balanced first with whatever balance machine TownFairTire uses because that's where i got my tires from. Then had them balance my front two tires to see if it would fix the vibration issue, but it just made it worse. Finally i got a road force balance and was told that two of my tires were balanced improperly and the other two were fine. One of my tires was removed from the wheel to see if i needed hub rings, but it was a good fit.

@richardm0025 were you having a problem with your control arms before you got coils installed? If i do to the dealership and ask them to look at the control arms because i think something is wrong with them, then they would just simply tell me that the suspension and aftermarket wheels are causing it and won't fix it under warranty.

[richardm0025]

Yeah that's why I made sure I had all suspension perfect before I voided warranty. But yeah the 70 mph shudder usually results with control arms.


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[rahip4567]

Honestly I wasn't having problems with my shudder with my A4 at 70+mph on the highway. I contacted a shop to see if they can inspect my coilovers and control arms, but no reply.

[Roadtrippn]

I wouldn't go to firestone. You get what you pay for honestly. I was just at firestone after dropping my car with adjustable control arms. I purchased a lifetime alignment. Basically they're to lazy to spend the time to align it properly. They say it needs an "exotic alignment" and don't have the proper tools. I'm looking to get my money back at this point.

[aztekslk23]

Town fair tire is pretty good. It depends on where you go in CT. I have heard of issues.


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[2010b8a4apr2]

fyi the front end isnt alignment friendly, you will need to buy new upper adjustable control arms if you go too low and want the camber and toe correctly aligned

[VMRWheels]

What year is your A4?

[rahip4567]

What year is your A4?

2009 Audi A4

Since I already voided my suspension warranty, I might as well buy aftermarket parts. Probably going to look on ECS for the control arms, but first need to really find out what the problem is. Also can bad bearings cause loose steering?

[XLR8 Craig]

Did you ever get this sorted?

It sounds like control arms to me too, which is certainly something we can help you out with!