Rear Camber on 2006 Pilot 4WD

[cpinaz]

Just got back from alignment shop. They say that the rear right camber on my 2006 Pilot 4WD cannot be adjusted without replacing the lower control arm with an adjustable control arm. Honda doesn't use adjustable control arms and they don't make camber kits for these. The rear right camber is -1.5 degrees. Is this a real problem or the alignment shop trying to shake me down for $300+? We've never taken this off road, 39,000 miles, no accidents or curb dumps. What could possibly be the cause? Visual inspection shows no sign of damage or wear. Just put new tires on and sure don't want to tear them up.

Any Ideas???

[humanoid]

Have you tried getting a 2nd opinion from another shop? If you do go to another one, don't mention the camber issue and see what they have to say.

[keepclam]

I'm in the exact same boat as the original poster: rear camber -1.27 L and -1.35 R, shop says they can't do better without the aftermarket control arm. I just replaced cupped tires that were nearly new, and don't want to wreck my new rubber. I've only had the vehicle about a month.

Anyone have any more comments to add?

[krazykarguy]

By the way that the suspension works on the Pilot, it will increase the camber of the wheel as the load increases. Saggy springs or dead shocks will also contribute to increased rear camber.

Are you continually driving with a heavy load or towing a lot with a high tongue weight?

With regards to the cupped tires, that is generally a toe issue, not camber. I don't know if the rear toe is adjustable in the Pilot, but I assume that to be the source of your odd wear pattern. As always, tire rotations at every other oil change will significantly extend the life of the entire set of tires.

[rocky]

Honda deleted from the first gen Pilots a small strut that strengthened and supported the rear subframe.

Hondacuraplanet has this set up as a kit. Its an easy 15 minute DIY job.

Here is the tread on the mod:

Pilot handling/suspension

Also, was to the OP, was there any evidence of abnormal wear on the tires you replaced?

[dustino8]

Originally Posted by cpinaz

Just got back from alignment shop. They say that the rear right camber on my 2006 Pilot 4WD cannot be adjusted without replacing the lower control arm with an adjustable control arm. Honda doesn't use adjustable control arms and they don't make camber kits for these. The rear right camber is -1.5 degrees. Is this a real problem or the alignment shop trying to shake me down for $300+? We've never taken this off road, 39,000 miles, no accidents or curb dumps. What could possibly be the cause? Visual inspection shows no sign of damage or wear. Just put new tires on and sure don't want to tear them up.

Any Ideas???

Did you have uneven tire wear on the rear previously? Whats the left rear camber at? I don't know the spec for the camber on the rear, but I know its negative from the factory. If tire wear was normal previously, I wouldn't be concerned.

Edit: Just found this thread :Alignment Specs for 2005?. It says the spec for an '04 is -0.5 degrees on the rear. I would assume an '06 would be similar.

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by krazykarguy

By the way that the suspension works on the Pilot, it will increase the camber of the wheel as the load increases. Saggy springs or dead shocks will also contribute to increased rear camber.

Are you continually driving with a heavy load or towing a lot with a high tongue weight?

With regards to the cupped tires, that is generally a toe issue, not camber. I don't know if the rear toe is adjustable in the Pilot, but I assume that to be the source of your odd wear pattern. As always, tire rotations at every other oil change will significantly extend the life of the entire set of tires.

No towing whatsoever. I have not carried any heavy loads, but can't speak for the previous owner. The suspension components received a clean bill of health from an area Honda dealer - not the closest - with a good service department that also does their own alignment work (getting rarer). The tire shop I'm dealing with also has a good reputation.

I'm concerned the tires will cup again since the rear camber is essentially unchanged, and that Honda will say it's the tires' fault, and the tire place will say it's Honda's fault, and that they warned me it would happen without the adjustable arm.

[keepclam]

Originally Posted by rocky

Honda deleted from the first gen Pilots a small strut that strengthened and supported the rear subframe.

Hondacuraplanet has this set up as a kit. Its an easy 15 minute DIY job.

Here is the tread on the mod:

Pilot handling/suspension

Also, was to the OP, was there any evidence of abnormal wear on the tires you replaced?

The subframe kit is one of my few planned mods, but I'm not sure how it would affect the camber, at least under "normal" conditions.

[hgbee]

I just found my Honda 2006 EX have same problem you have. The both inner side of rear tires are wear a lot.

Car only have 29k, no accident, no off road, no bump on the curb..... bottom part looks ok.
Local shop quote me $550 to change to adjustable control arm. They show me the NAPA part is $400 for two arms.

Should I go to dealer to check again? they ask another $90 for alignment. headache....

[hgbee]

my both rear camber is -1.2, Honda dealer don't accept other shop's alignment data. They want $90 alignment for their own.

[dustino8]

Originally Posted by hgbee

I just found my Honda 2006 EX have same problem you have. The both inner side of rear tires are wear a lot.

Car only have 29k, no accident, no off road, no bump on the curb..... bottom part looks ok.
Local shop quote me $550 to change to adjustable control arm. They show me the NAPA part is $400 for two arms.

Should I go to dealer to check again? they ask another $90 for alignment. headache....

A couple of alternatives. Rotate your tires more frequently, however if the inner wear is severe, this probably won't help. Another one is to install air bags on the rear suspension. I'm assuming the inner tire wear is due to a sagging suspension? The air bags could assist with this.

I had some bad inner tire wear previously, however mine was due to a bent rear suspension link.

[hondacuraplanet]

We used to run into this problem. NAPA carries offset eccentric bolts for rear camber issues. Ten bucks in parts. I believe Moog makes them.

[hgbee]

Thanks a lot for Hondacuraplant and dustino8. this is really helps. I will check this eccentric bolt.

Also find this online: Import Auto Performance Ingalls, SPC, Omni-Power, Skunk2, Volk Wheels, Tein Suspension, Greddy, Neuspeed, HKS, Tokico, Import Auto Parts, Import Car Parts, Honda Part, Performance Part, AEM. They sell adjustable camber for 149 per pair. Anyone have experience with them?

thanks.

[hgbee]

my local NAPA store does not carries it anymore.

Moog only have eccentric bolt for front, not for rear.

I found ADJUSTABLE REAR ARM ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY with brand name "Specialty Products (SPC)" and Reybestos.

Which one is better quality? thx for any advice.

[chas22]

Do what was said, check out some camber products made by Specialty Products (SPC) or do what I did and get some Air Lift 1000 and put in the rear springs. Its easy to do and saves tires. All Hondas have no rear camber adjustment. I have 4 and this is the main fault I have found! I have added some camber arms to a 2004 Acura TL made by SPE for the same reason. Acuras are no different than Honda.