Do threaded suspension kits require wheel alignment after adjustment?

Hello,

Is it necessary to have the wheel alignment re-checked if I adjust my coilover suspension? 'Shouldn't only the drop change, then?'

Thank you for the answers.

Yes... Fine-tuning is necessary because it also changes. Why? After loosening or tightening the tie rods, they will be at a different angle, which will change the alignment.

Okay, I just called KW, and they said I can adjust it by 1-1.5 cm without noticeably changing the alignment.

What do you think about that statement? Is it possible to calculate how many degrees the trajectory changes?

Sure, you can calculate it by measuring the lengths and using that information to determine the angles, and the rest is trigonometry. Seriously, I think there should be about 1 cm of adjustment needed without you having to make any further adjustments. However, if it were a permanent position, I would be interested in being considered for the role.

Okay, I just called KW, and they said I can adjust it by 1-1.5cm without the alignment noticeably changing.

'That's too much, in my opinion!'
(but I'm not an expert in this field)

Sure, you'll still be able to drive it.
But tire change intervals will be drastically reduced!

Don't try to save 30 euros now and then end up paying multiple times for other wear and tear parts; just have the alignment redone properly and that's it!

You certainly want to be able to sleep soundly, right?

Best regards, Georg.

I actually just wanted to raise the car a bit for the winter so I would have more ground clearance.
In the summer, I would lower it again.

'Hmm... generally speaking, I think that's a rather bold statement from KW... with a misalignment of 1-1.5 cm, it's probably possible to leave it without readjusting the alignment; however, in my opinion, this is only the case if you're close to the stock suspension settings.' The lower the car's suspension is set, the more significant the changes tend to be when adjustments are made, because these adjustments usually don't change linearly.

I would definitely have a survey and, if necessary, an adjustment made. It doesn't cost a fortune, and there are only advantages to it. Especially if you're the one fiddling with it.

Hi,

I would leave those DIY projects alone.

In my rally car, the suspension height was frequently adjusted, and these adjustments often resulted in significant changes to the vehicle's geometry. This often negatively impacted the handling. I would rather drive a vehicle that is too deep than one where the height needs to be adjusted.

There is still a solution. Measure the vehicle at both heights and find a middle setting that remains within the manufacturer's tolerances for both heights. Unfortunately, this means a huge amount of work, and hardly any workshop will be willing to do it.
Then the statement made by the chassis manufacturer is quite understandable. I highly doubt whether the track and camber values can still be reliably reproduced after the height adjustments.