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Old 06-18-2006 | 04:52 PM
Cyril Baldwin's Avatar
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Default Help! I needed a raise!

I have H&R Cup Kit installed in my XFIREX a year ago and it just wears out the inside of my FRONT tire wall exposing the thread after 3k. I believe this is due to the negative camber which I dunno how to correct yet...

I just bought a Lowenhart 19's and a 20's with 235/35ZR19 (front) and 285/30ZR20 (rear). My problem is that it rubs horribly in the front when I drive it and worst whenever I use the brakes!

Any suggestions on how I can fix this problem?





 
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Last edited by Cyril Baldwin; 06-19-2006 at 10:01 AM.
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Old 06-19-2006 | 10:15 AM
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Default Re: Help!

Ouch! Cyril, what's the inside of the wheel well look like? You may have some serious rubbing going on in the turns. ... You may be too low... Ya think so! Scary looking tire though. I don't know... Yo.
 
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Old 06-19-2006 | 11:11 AM
Cyril Baldwin's Avatar
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Default Re: Help!

It can run great...BACKWARDS!

H&R Cup kit has been the worst upgrade I've ever had with my XFIREX! Now I'm stuck with it!

I need the experts here to help me out!

1.) Does replacing the rubber pad help raise my crossfire at least an inch in the front?
2.) Any front camber correction kit that's available for the crossfire now?


Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for replying.
 

Last edited by Cyril Baldwin; 06-19-2006 at 11:51 AM.
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Old 06-19-2006 | 11:28 AM
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Default Re: Help!

i like the new wheel set up... looks aggressive... very nice.


the tire wear... another story. i agree... too low and too much negative camber.

i just replaced my all-seasons at 25k and had completely even wear across the tread area with the eibach and koni set up. i did change to the conti sport contact 2's for a more aggressive handler.
 
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Old 06-19-2006 | 02:25 PM
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Default Re: Help!

Cyril, that's not from camber... thats the tire rubbing on the suspension bolt from the upper arm, i had to shave it of with a die grinder to on my recent install as it was making contact cause i have a wider tire... the combination of the camber and lowering is making it rub on the bolt.

when the car is on a jack it was not making contact but when i put it down it did just slightly... that wear is too extreme to be a camber issue...
 
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Old 06-19-2006 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: Help!

Cyril, your tire up front is a 235/35/19 (25.5 diameter) and mine is a 235/40/18 (24.4 diameter) ... you definitely have the same issue as i did...

time to bust out the cut off wheel and grinder and buy a new set of front tires... there is about one inch of extra bolt length you can remove, however if you ever have to reinstall the upper arm bolt you'll need a C clamp to squeeze it down to do so...
 
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Old 06-19-2006 | 09:23 PM
Cyril Baldwin's Avatar
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Default Re: Help!

andrew
i like the new wheel set up... looks aggressive... very nice.


the tire wear... another story. i agree... too low and too much negative camber.

i just replaced my all-seasons at 25k and had completely even wear across the tread area with the eibach and koni set up. i did change to the conti sport contact 2's for a more aggressive handler.
Thanks Andrew! Yeah, I like the little aggressive looks of it!

intenseblu
Cyril, your tire up front is a 235/35/19 (25.5 diameter) and mine is a 235/40/18 (24.4 diameter) ... you definitely have the same issue as i did...

time to bust out the cut off wheel and grinder and buy a new set of front tires... there is about one inch of extra bolt length you can remove, however if you ever have to reinstall the upper arm bolt you'll need a C clamp to squeeze it down to do so...
06-19-2006 06:25 PM
intenseblu
Cyril, that's not from camber... thats the tire rubbing on the suspension bolt from the upper arm, i had to shave it of with a die grinder to on my recent install as it was making contact cause i have a wider tire... the combination of the camber and lowering is making it rub on the bolt.

when the car is on a jack it was not making contact but when i put it down it did just slightly... that wear is too extreme to be a camber issue...
Thank you so much for your input Intenseblu! Now, I'm slowly seeing the light and I know I'm not the only one out there who can benefit your input!

My next question is:

1. Can I lift the front using 1 inch of the rubber pad? If not, what's the alternative?

2. Should I do the same with the rear too?

3. What brand of spring pad is compatible with the H&R cup kit?

I'm sorry guys but these are the things I really don't know much about.
 
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Old 06-19-2006 | 10:53 PM
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Default Re: Help!

Cyril, those tires are already ruined so you will need a new set, this gives us the option to get a set that will not have the same problem 225/35/19 will be 25.2 inches in diameter which will be .1 inch taller than stock but no wider... judging from the wear marks this should be enough to remedy the situation...

also, for good measure:



...the bolt i colored in red, i took about half a inch off of mine, but you can bring more off of it since your car is lower ... only take off what you need as the ball joint is impossible to install if without the extra bolt length if you ever take the suspension apart ...
 
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Old 06-19-2006 | 10:59 PM
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Thumbs up Re: Help!

intenseblu... you get a big A+ for solving this one... nice way to help others out with your knowledge.

cheers!
 
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Old 06-20-2006 | 02:04 AM
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Default Re: Help!

I've done some research and found some possible remedies for the negative camber issues.

http://www.kmac.3X3design.com/cms/index.php (front) and http://www.speedybenz.com (rear) were recommended by some Merc owners.

HDDP also found this product from DC Product No. 5140876AA which is a camber repair bolt.

I have sent K-mac and speedybenz emails if this thing will work with our Crossfires.
 
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Old 06-20-2006 | 02:37 AM
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Default Re: Help!

Here's a pic of how much clearance I have which I believe is only 1/4 inch.

 
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Old 06-20-2006 | 10:40 AM
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Default Re: Help!

i've seen the camber correction bolt in the service manual, it is a standard cammed bolt ... it should allow up to 2 degrees change in camber ... i will add the part number to my database, thanks HDDP !
 
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Old 06-22-2006 | 02:21 AM
Cyril Baldwin's Avatar
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Default Re: Help!

Is this thing removable?

I have wheel spacers in the front so that the Lowenhart center wheel cover can be screwed. Without the wheels spacers, this dust cap is in the way and the center covers are sticking out!

The problem is that the front wheels are rubbing on the front fenders bending it outside. The only possible way to remedy this problem is to remove that center dome in that way I won't need the front spacers anymore!

 
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Last edited by Cyril Baldwin; 06-22-2006 at 06:45 PM.
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Old 06-22-2006 | 07:44 AM
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Default Re: Help!

Originally Posted by Cyril Baldwin
Is this thing removable?
~ it is difficult to pry the dust cap off with a flat head screwdriver and not to distort or damage its flange.

the problem is... this dust cap is needed to protect the hub bearing. but you may find a lower domed cap.



here are some illustrations:

http://aarc.epnet.com/application/90...l_Bearings.htm


a removal tip:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showt...cap+AND+clamp8
 
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Old 06-22-2006 | 06:50 PM
Cyril Baldwin's Avatar
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Default Re: Help!

Finally fixed the problem:

1. I have to cut and fold the inner flap of the fender to get more clearance.
2. Remove the 10mm wheel spacers.
3. Shave the bolts in the wheel well.
4. Just gotta live with the center covers not fitting right on the wheels.
5. Run real slow when maneuvering a dip.

At least I can run my XFIREX for now. I will just monitor the tires for uneven wearing.
 
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Old 06-22-2006 | 07:17 PM
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Default Re: Help!

hey cyril the wheels look really good, i forgot about the dust cover problem holding the center cap off. when i got the wheels originally i went to a local mb dealership and bought a set that did not have as large of a hump. i will give them a call and see what the part number is and let you know.
 
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Old 06-26-2006 | 12:35 AM
Cyril Baldwin's Avatar
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Default Re: Help!

I finally found the final solution to my problem regarding the front dust caps! I used a hammer to flatten the dome of the dust caps and my center wheel covers fits perfectly now compared to the photo.





Regarding the rubbing of the wheels in the front fenders, I used my Dremel to cut, fold and roll the inner front fender portion. It gave me a quarter of an inch more clearance from the tires.



Case closed!
 
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Last edited by Cyril Baldwin; 06-26-2006 at 12:38 AM.
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Old 06-26-2006 | 06:25 AM
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Default Re: Help!

Cryil,

Is that DIRT on your rotors? Man, you have to stop letting your car go like that. How about WASHING that thing once in a while!
 
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Old 06-26-2006 | 12:16 PM
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Default Re: Help!

Originally Posted by bobs
Cryil,

Is that DIRT on your rotors? Man, you have to stop letting your car go like that. How about WASHING that thing once in a while!
With this rust I guess he doesn't use the brakes. Yeah, no brakes - no fear!!!

Cyril, your XF looks great!
 
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Old 07-10-2006 | 10:31 AM
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Default Re: Help!

I am planning on doing a 1" front suspension with a 235/35 19 in the front - but I can not see any access to cut off that bolt -
 

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