# Alignment question(requesting answer from Keith) **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 9, 2025, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394 "2025-08-09T20:18:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 12:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/21 "2025-08-11T12:48:43Z")
> [@keith](#): > > Turned out to be the wrong idler arm. A little bit of advise, always compare replacement parts with originals to confirm they are the same shape/size etc… ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 12:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/22 "2025-08-11T12:51:02Z")
> [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](#): > > But, dave: does that illustrated control arm come apart, as the poster suggested? I guess you did not read my post to the end… lol > [@davesmopar](#): > > turn the other way and it unscrews itself and falls apart… not hard to Same as tie rod ends, to far one way and they bottom out, to far the other and they come apart… I have taken a few apart to clean the threads in order to be able to adjust it.. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 12:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/23 "2025-08-11T12:58:37Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > I guess you did not read my post to the end… lol Documented learning disabilities on my part. But in that case, since the arm does disassemble when turned as you stated, the problem with the rear end on this Toyota seems to lay elsewhere. It’s time for the poster to make friends with a good local shop, or go to the dealer service. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 1:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/24 "2025-08-11T13:17:36Z")
I tend to agree, the OP either does not have enough experience or mechanical aptitude to see/understand what is bent, and or is over his/her head on this one… The OP only needs to get the alignment close enough to get the vehicle to a shop to be aligned… Other than the dealer, most shops will not charge for an alignment unless the vehicle was able to be aligned.. If the shop sees something is bent or whatever then they will try to sell the service to the customer, at which time the customer can refuse services and return home for further repairs as required, it only take a few minutes to check an alignment, an alignment check will reveal a lot of information if you understand them… ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 1:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/25 "2025-08-11T13:24:59Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > The OP only needs to get the alignment close enough to get the vehicle to a shop to be aligned… At this point in the discussion, based on what I’ve read, I would recommend having the car transported to a place of repair. ---
**Author:** ![2fas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2fas/32/36037_2.png) [@2fas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2fas)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/26 "2025-08-11T17:40:13Z")
Yes that thing. Adjusting it is weird. I can’t find any specs as to how long it should be. So I just kept messing with it. Mine came apart in two pieces when unscrewed all the way. ---
**Author:** ![2fas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2fas/32/36037_2.png) [@2fas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2fas)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/27 "2025-08-11T17:41:27Z")
Ok that makes sense. I just didn’t want to be charged for diagnostic at the alignment shop. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 6:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/28 "2025-08-11T18:05:09Z")
You can, for a base line, measure the other toe bar (rear rearward adjustable control arm) and adjust this one to match, just need to have equal turns on both ends (inner/outer)… Then install and if the wheel is still way off then you are missing something… But the toe bar will require an alignment to be in proper spec… ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 6:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/29 "2025-08-11T18:10:06Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > Other than the dealer, most shops will not charge for an alignment unless the vehicle was able to be aligned.. If the shop sees something is bent or whatever then they will try to sell the service to the customer, at which time the customer can refuse services and return home for further repairs as required, it only take a few minutes to check an alignment, Well, I never (almost never) gave away a suspension inspection and alignment check. After all, test driving the vehicle, “shaking down” the suspension, installing the heads and taking readings takes time. Now, sometimes we would find parts so worn that there was no need to check the alignment, other times we needed to install the heads to find a bad thrust angle or an SAI issue. Either way, the customer was given the diagnosis and charged something. Back when alignments went for $119, I would charge $49 for the inspection if the customer took the car away. If they left it and had us do the repairs the inspection fee was waived (but the flag time remained for the flat-rate techs). > [@2fas](#): > > I just didn’t want to be charged for diagnostic at the alignment shop. Any competent technician or shop will not work for free. ---
**Author:** ![2fas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2fas/32/36037_2.png) [@2fas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2fas)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/30 "2025-08-11T18:13:09Z")
Ok that’s fair. Any place you recommend when it comes to big box stores? ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2025, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/31 "2025-08-11T18:20:44Z")
I guess it all depends on the shop, Firestone has a free alignment check and the tech gets paid 0.6 for checking… I have seen other chains doing the same, no tech ever works for free (mostly), it is part of the cost of doing business, indys play by their own rules… At times the customer is offered a free alignment check with an oil change… A $49.99 inspection fee sounds about right if charging, we did it for $21.99 and often had specials for $9.99, it’s all about getting them in the door… lol ---
**Author:** ![2fas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2fas/32/36037_2.png) [@2fas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2fas)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2025, 6:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/32 "2025-08-12T18:17:48Z")
Would you be able to do a quick video showing how to do this? Its hard to follow the steps in writing. Or is there a youtube video you can recommend ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/33 "2025-08-12T19:17:47Z")
Toe adjustment video: [DIY front wheel alignment at home. 100% perfect (so easy)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMWDYwyHLF0) Note: Measuring from tread-to-tread is not as accurate as scribing a reference line around the circumference of the tire, but a tread-to-tread measurement will be close enough to get by for 6 months until you get an alignment. ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 2:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/34 "2025-08-13T02:56:04Z")
Yeah OK dave, next time I order parts from Rockauto, I’ll take my computer and crawl under the truck with it to check the pictures on the web site to the part on the truck that I’m ordering. I put all my trucks information into rockauto’s web site, I did not expect them to list parts that would not fit. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 10:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/35 "2025-08-13T10:47:58Z")
You said you found out it was wrong after you already installed it. He’s saying not to trust them and compare them before going to all that trouble. Usually people only get burned that way once. When I buy local, I bring the old one in. Delivered, I compare them as best I can before installing…He gave sage advice… ---
**Author:** ![keith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/keith/32/5518_2.png) [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/36 "2025-08-13T18:53:06Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > He gave sage advice Yes, but it is not always practical. ---
**Author:** ![2fas](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2fas/32/36037_2.png) [@2fas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2fas)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 7:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/37 "2025-08-13T19:52:01Z")
I just want to ask a clarifying question, is that rear control arm adjusting toe or camber? After some research, I’m confident I can do the toes on the front tires when comes time. ---
**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/38 "2025-08-13T20:21:15Z")
> [@keith](#): > > Yes, but it is not always practical. What’s not practical about opening the package with the new part and comparing it to the old part you just took off the vehicle? I do this at the parts store when I buy local. I don’t skip that step just because I bought it online and the parts tool said it was a match. Trust but verify… ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/39 "2025-08-13T20:38:34Z")
Technically it is a control arm but it could also be described as a toe-link. That adjustment is for the toe. Same adjustment on Highlander, Lexus ES350, RX350 etc. ![Toyota Camry: Rear wheel alignment - Rear suspension](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/b/f/bf499f7a5130d2eb222fa1d23036e05842fa8ede.gif) ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2025, 11:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394/40 "2025-08-13T23:39:27Z")
> [@Nevada\_545](#): > > Technically it is a control arm but it could also be described as a toe-link. > > That adjustment is for the toe. Same adjustment on Highlander, Lexus ES350, RX350 etc. > > ![Toyota Camry: Rear wheel alignment - Rear suspension](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/b/f/bf499f7a5130d2eb222fa1d23036e05842fa8ede.gif) Kind of like a turnbuckle, with lock nuts at each end. For me, a control arm looks more or less like these: ![Automotive - Suspension - Control Arms Variety](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/c/6/c62b78d32bc191160bf86fa3b4123649820d5162.jpeg) [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alignment-question-requesting-answer-from-keith/201394.md?page=3)