Thread: New tires, alignment, camber bolts

Hi, forum - '03 GTP, stock, 150K
Bought new tires last week, and went for alignment.
Here's the shop alignment printout
They said some of the specs can't be aligned the normal way, and that cam bolts would be the solution. (apparently this is caused by slight sagging of the springs, which all makes sense from what I've read on this forum.
They charge about $30 per wheel for just the bolts (parts) and about $35/wheel labor.... so about $300 to do four bolts.
Questions -
** If they will use my parts, I can get the bolts on Rock Auto for much less. Can you tell me which bolts I'd need for front and rear? (Rock auto page below)
** Should I suggest my mechanic drill out the strut holes instead (if he will do it)?
** Rock also has a rebate on Monroe quick strut assemblies for about $70 each a.r. Would you advise just doing the struts at this mileage, thinking it might clear up the sag? If so, will I need a new alignment? Cost is a major factor, but I try to keep this car in 'A' condition. I've done struts on an old Escort before. How hard a job for an amateur of moderate skills?

Thanks!

2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8L V6 Supercharged : Suspension : Caster / Camber Cam Bolt Kit	Price
MEVOTECH Part # MK5330 {#K5330} Alignment Caster/Camber Kit Front; Allows For Additional Camber Adjustment Rear; Allows For Additional Camber Adjustment	$8.50
AUTO EXTRA / CHASSIS RITE Part # AXK5330 {#RK5330} Alignment Caster/Camber Kit Front; Allows For Additional Camber Adjustment Rear; Allows For Additional Camber Adjustment	$9.44
MOOG Part # K5330 Problem Solver; Cam Bolt Rear Lower Strut Mount; Magna Cam/Bolt Kit - adjustment range from -1-1/4 to 1-1/4 deg. Front Lower Strut Mount; Magna Cam/Bolt Kit - adjustment range from -1-1/4 to 1-1/4 deg.	$10.30
MOOG Part # K90474 Cam Bolt Front Lower Strut Mount; adjustment range from -1 to 1 deg. Rear Lower Strut Mount; adjustment range from -1 to 1 deg.	$10.37
RAYBESTOS Part # 6161036 Professional Grade Front; 14mm Bolts; Single Offset; Minus 1-3/4 Degree To Plus 1-3/4 Degree Rear; 14mm Bolts; Single Offset; Minus 1-3/4 Degree To Plus 1-3/4 Degree	$12.75
ACDELCO Part # 45K18036 {#88914256} Kit Includes 1 Bolt CAM,Steering Knuckle Camber ADJ -; 14MM BOLTS, +/- 1-3/4 DEGREE; 4 DOORS; SINGLE OFFSET	$13.41
RAYBESTOS Part # 6161050 Professional Grade; Upper Rear; 14mm Bolts; Double Offset; Plus or Minus 2-1/2 Degree	$13.67

Are the struts done and ready to be replaced anyway? If so, then get the quick struts and replace the old ones. VERY easy to do, and yes - you'll need an alignment after that is done, but shouldn't need the bolts if they're saying you only need them because of the sagging springs. I'm no expert, so I may be all wrong on this...if so, just tell me to STFU...I mostly wanted to say that the Quick Struts are a God send if you need to do that...

If all cam bolts are the same, can you explain the various options above on the rock auto site?

Regaring letting it go for now, I'm a little concerned about uneven wear on the brand new tires

I don't notice big problems with the struts. I'm guessing I could go a lot longer with them. Probably notice with new ones. I think the car sits a little low, but I can't say for sure.your logic makes some sense though. If I would ultimately do struts I could do them now and skip the cam bolts costs, andjust be out the strut money.

Originally Posted by barnettimpala

The camber doesnt look too bad. Will it wear the tires out a little faster? Yes. But will it generally result in better handling/cornering? Yes. I'm a fan of replacing old suspension parts but if the struts feel fine and aren't bouncy, I'd spend the very little money on camber bolts and install them myself. Then have it aligned. I'm not familiar with slotting the hole on the strut. Honestly I'm surprised the springs would sag that much but guess the alignment proves it.

Yes, I'm not sure the springs are sagging much - the car has a fairly low stance...but given the small tolerances in alignment measurement, it wouldn't have to be much, would it?

So... if I were to put the cam. bolts in myself, it's likely they would throw the alignment off quite a bit until I get the car to the shop. I'm assuming this would NOT be a dangerous amount off - am I correct there?

And I have to sort through what directions I can find ... on the front of the car the cam bolt replaces the lower one, and if I read correctly, on the rear the bolt replaces the upper of the two? And when we're talking about upper and lower, we mean of the two bolts that are close to each other on the bracket that is down near the steering knuckle. (I guess I'm asking if upper means that, or is there another bolt near the top of the strut somewhere)

And... don't mean to be dense!... I'm still not sure which of the Rock Auto bolts in the picture above I should get. They don't all appear to be the same visually nor in the Rock Auto descriptions.

Thanks