alignment problem/hub issues

[Gman86]

Well this problem surfaced after I removed my 17" wheels, I installed 15" prelude sawblades on it after the 17's with 205/55 R15 tires to close that lil gap my omnipower coilovers didn't, so after installing the lude rims I have an irratating grind coming from the passenger front wheelwell at any speed with the wheels tracking straight, now I can lightly steer to the right at any speed and it stops completely, but not vice-versa, if I steer to the left the grinding persists. Now the grinding is very subtle, not very alarming, and my steering is not affected. So I'm thinking possible balljoint problems or alignment issue, now to hopfully rule out the hub, with the accord jacked up, I gave the wheel a couple good tugs and shoves and I didn't experience any play, it was rather solid for the 245,xxx miles of use on it, I also removed the wheel and tugged on the hub itself and nothing. Now I have not checked my upper & lower balljoints, but I will utilizing a crowbar to check for play hoping for very little to none. And if that raises no problems then I'm looking at a possible alignment problem, or maybe steering rack problem. And a big dillema I have in my hickass town is that no alignment shop will align my lowered car with modified suspension. But if I could source a good shop that would align it then I could possibly rule out an alignment issue. But any input is appreciated, just like to think I might be missing that 1 thing I haven't checked.

[rob_is_legend]

Well this problem surfaced after I removed my 17" wheels, I installed 15" prelude sawblades on it after the 17's with 205/55 R15 tires to close that lil gap my omnipower coilovers didn't, so after installing the lude rims I have an irratating grind coming from the passenger front wheelwell at any speed with the wheels tracking straight, now I can lightly steer to the right at any speed and it stops completely, but not vice-versa, if I steer to the left the grinding persists. Now the grinding is very subtle, not very alarming, and my steering is not affected. So I'm thinking possible balljoint problems or alignment issue, now to hopfully rule out the hub, with the accord jacked up, I gave the wheel a couple good tugs and shoves and I didn't experience any play, it was rather solid for the 245,xxx miles of use on it, I also removed the wheel and tugged on the hub itself and nothing. Now I have not checked my upper & lower balljoints, but I will utilizing a crowbar to check for play hoping for very little to none. And if that raises no problems then I'm looking at a possible alignment problem, or maybe steering rack problem. And a big dillema I have in my hickass town is that no alignment shop will align my lowered car with modified suspension. But if I could source a good shop that would align it then I could possibly rule out an alignment issue. But any input is appreciated, just like to think I might be missing that 1 thing I haven't checked.

I had a very similiar problem, except with my passenger side. when i went straight or turned to the right while moving, I heard a roaring sound, which increased slightly when turned to the right, however when turned left, the sound stopped. It turned out to be my hub bearing, and I replaced my drivers side and passenger side hub bearing assemblies (both for good measure) at a local shop for only $142. (shop owner only charged me for one bearing... should've been $284+) Since then Its been wonderful..no roaring whatsoever. I never tested my hub to see if it was loose, but the symptoms seem the same to me. Might not hurt to take the hub off and examine closer. best of luck

[rob_is_legend]

Also on alignment, I run into the same problem. What I recommend is going to the shop and explaining that there are two aspects to alignment, toe and camber. Camber can't be adjusted on our cars without a camber kit, and when lowered, our tires tend to lean in towards the center of the car. Its perfectly natural. However lowered or not, our cars come with tie rods, which are used to adjust toe. your car can be two feet off the ground or two inches, and your toe is still able to be adjusted due to you having these tie rods FROM THE FACTORY.

A friends car had the toe aligned on it at the same shop where I tried to get mine, and I was told it was impossible to be aligned being lowered. I brought my friend along and he brought his reciept, demanding a refund if alignments were impossible. (he drives a 6th gen accord which is easily an inch lower than mine.)

[JaK FRoSTWhiTE]

Did you make sure its not your brake dust shield hitting the rotor?

Make sure that backing plate is out of the way.

[Gman86]

A friends car had the toe aligned on it at the same shop where I tried to get mine, and I was told it was impossible to be aligned being lowered. I brought my friend along and he brought his reciept, demanding a refund if alignments were impossible. (he drives a 6th gen accord which is easily an inch lower than mine.)

And ill be damned if i didnt bring up the camber/toe issue....im also having mild toe-in problems so i will have that addressed ASAP, i will be on the hunt today for a shop that will adjust the toe to the correct angle. This may be the culprit, but after having it adjusted it may or may not have caused the grinding or probably is a factor to why it has surfaced.

On a side note I wonder how much the mechanic studdered and stumbled on hisself after aligning your buddies lowered ride, and telling you it couldnt be done. I bet it was great.

Did you make sure its not your brake dust shield hitting the rotor?

Make sure that backing plate is out of the way.

Another very simple issue that could definitely raise questions, and a problem i overlooked. After close inspection this morning the brake dust shield has a complete 3/4-1" of distance clear around the rotor. But none the less thanks for your input. its always those small things we tend to never inspect.

[CAMILOSI]

That's weird that no shop wants to align ur car.Did u go to a HONDA dealer cause I know I do them all the time here.

That's just a lame excuse in case they brake something or it doesn't align well.U should c how mine is and I still was able to adjust everything on it.

[accordztech]

there are shops that wont align cars, just because they are scared to. Go to another town.

Ask them where is it in their policy (on paper) that says they will not align a lowerd car and if its not there then take it up with their coorporate who hates it when a customer emails them and says 'I want to spend my money but they dont want it' haha. though if the shop is scared i wouldnt even try cause then they wont do a great job lol.