Dealer Couldn't Set Up Track Alignment?

[StevenM]

I took my 4BW to the dealer today for track prep (diff fluid, DOT4 brake fluid, oil change, track alignment) and the service guy said he could not change the camber without drilling out additional space in the the strut tower. Based on all the questions and uncertainty I got at every step of the service, I don't think they'd ever seen a BW before.

This can't possibly be the case that you can't set up the camber listed in the manual without structural changes? It seems like people are doing it themselves.

Additionally, while driving home, I noticed the oil temp was running about 10-20 degrees hotter than usual (196-203 instead of 185ish). I have not checked the oil pressure yet, but did they screw up the oil change and overfill it? The dipstick level is maxed out.

 

[rdollie]

Yikes. Read the details on the oil change and see if they claim to have put the right spec in for oil. If they've not dealt with BWs then they may have made a mistake. I have a 5BW and know you don't have to do any drilling to change the camber and suspect the same for the 4BW. Do you have an alternate dealer option? Maybe find the track setup instructions online and go to someone who does alignments all-day like Firestone (and get their lifetime agreement so you can change back and forth at no additional cost.). On the 5BW there are a couple of exotic tension bolts you need to change each time so if it's the same for the 4BW just stock up and bring them to whoever you chose to do the job (if it's an option there's nothing like the peace of mind in doing it yourself.)

 

[nordique14]

I do not know if the CT4 alignment process is the same as the CT5, but here is a good video for the CT5. If GM has published track alignment specs then there is a way to do it that does not involve drilling out the top of the strut tower. Find another dealer.

CT5 Blackwing alignment

 

[BimmerFan]

I don't think that overfilling the oil will cause it to run hot. Using the wrong viscocity is possible, and I know that can be an issue with the LT4 (CT5) but I don't know what the V6 requires.

Unfortunately, the days of a mechanic becoming the service advisor seems to be a think of the past. Now they are often not technical and more suited to upselling you than knowledgeably "advising" you.

Finding a good independent shop (not the dealer) to do all of your non-warranty work is always a good idea.

Edit: It seems that according to this thread, perhaps the service advisor wasn't as clueless as I thought.

 

[DCV]

Well I looked and you can see on top of the shock tower, two divots in the cap that look like they can be drilled out for something, plus a metal plug of sorts poking up through a divot that’s drilled out.

 

[LastGas]

Well I looked and you can see on top of the shock tower, two divots in the cap that look like they can be drilled out for something, plus a metal plug of sorts poking up through a divot that’s drilled out.

To get the track alignment (CT4 only) with more camber, you need to punch out that pin visible in the strut tower. That allows the strut to slide. It's a simplified version of what you would get with an aftermarket camber plate.

This is all detailed in the manual if the tech bothers to read it. It's not particularly difficult. I'm sorry you had a problem with the dealership, so many of us also have terrible stories with dealers who have no experience with these cars and don't even bother to read the manual. The car is great but the dealership aspect is a huge challenge.

You definitely want the extra camber from punching out the pin. Otherwise the car will murder the outside of the front tires on track.

I think there are some old threads on this issue too.

 

[DCV]

So the pin gets punched out, what's next? Is the camber adjusted how? some sort of bolt or nut to adjust? Loosen the three nuts/bolts and move the strut inward till you get what you want then re-tighten them?

 

[Professor Speed]

Additionally, while driving home, I noticed the oil temp was running about 10-20 degrees hotter than usual (196-203 instead of 185ish). I have not checked the oil pressure yet, but did they screw up the oil change and overfill it? The dipstick level is maxed out.

Nothing wrong with these oil temps. For normal driving temp stays around 190, when spirited gets above 200.

Keep in mind there is no oil temperature sensor. What you see is an estimate based on coolant temp.

 

[ngoni]

So the pin gets punched out, what's next? Is the camber adjusted how? some sort of bolt or nut to adjust? Loosen the three nuts/bolts and move the strut inward till you get what you want then re-tighten them?

Moving things on top gets you enough negative camber that, with the normal adjustment down below, you can get to the track alignment.