I just finished installing a set of Techart springs in my tt last weekend and obviously need to get an alignment done but was wondering if I should allow some time for the springs to settle in before getting an alignment? Seems to me it would be bad to drive around without an alignment but also bad if I get an alignment before the springs settle and end up out of alignment later on after the springs settle. Do I need to drive on them for a bit to get them to settle in or are they settling in just sitting with the weight of the car on them in my garage? Thanks for your advice.

 

I normally wait about 2 weeks / 500 miles to get an alignment.

Lets everything settle in.

 

+1. Same advise from my shop. Better to drive the car to give the springs a good workout, rather than sitting in the garage.

 

Did this lower the car too? By how much? Looking forward to seeing it!

 

Thanks guys, I guess I'll drive it around a bit before getting an alignment done. Eugene, I'll bring the car into work so you can see it. I won't be carpooling on Monday, so I'll bring it in then. The springs drop the car down about 1".

 

Nice! Sent you a PM.

 

I will say you need both one right after the install so you do not eat your tires in the time that takes everything to settle. A set of new tires are more costly than a alignment. Just do other alignment in a month or 2 and you are done. That is what I have done. Here is a pic with cargraphic springs, new wheels and tires.

 

I thought somebody might say that. I guess that probably is the right way to go. Those wheels look great!

 

Thanks dude they are VolkRacing TE37 with Nitto Invo tires (like 30 pounds less in total compared to stock wheel and tires) .

 

I usually go in after 100 miles or so. I guess it's more by eye and feel. My alignment guy has never mentioned anything and the cars have always been perfect after it. No real difference any time after it.

 

how do you like the INVO tires?

 

Awesome tire with low noise and great adhesion. I really hate the continental that I have before.

 

Unless your tires are already toast, get an alignment. 500 miles with a car out of whack can destroy a set.

 

I personally would never install geometry-changing suspension parts unless
I had the ability to check corner weights, ride height, and alignment as I
was doing it. Sure, maybe some alignment values may shift after some road
time, whether it is 'settling (?)' or insufficiently tightened fasteners or just
the result of heavy bumps etc, so if I suspected any of those, I'd recheck
the alignment after a little running, but I personally wouldn't leave the shop
without knowing the camber, toe, and that my corner balance was good at
the load I drive with. You're certainly going to be judging your new parts and
workmanship the second you drive out the door. What if something is bad,
or different and you don't know if you should just get used to it, or whether
it is just an artifact of an unintentionally way-different alignment or imbalance
in your corner weights?
Good luck. I'd get the corner balance and alignment right now, today. Make sure
you get before and after numbers, so if you feel a difference when/if they change
anything, you will know why. And even if they don't the car will feel better, just
like a car runs smoother just after it's been waxed, or had an oil change, or had it's
tire pressures checked...
Regards,
Joe

 

Really. That was extensive. It's just a car.

Just lowered mine tonight and I think the springs should settle with in 100 miles or so, if it even takes that long

defiantly gonna wait at least a few days

Just my.opinion