Maserati Gransport rear subframe alignment

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
Whilst fitting some wheel spacers to my Gransport it has become apparent that the left hand rear wheel is closer to the wheel arch (widthways) than the right hand side. Is it possible that the rear subframe has been refitted slightly off centre following a clutch change? I had a 4200 a few years ago, and this was exactly the same - I can’t believe this is how they are supposed to be? Can this be adjusted?
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
I would take it to a full shimmed alignment.

what you report is probably how the cars camber is set up for UK roads or you have sloppy rose joints.

It is possible the subframe is not square but unlikely.
 

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
The car was fully aligned following a clutch change last year at gallio. I just find it strange that the two Maserati’s I have had have the same issue.
 

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
Or previous accident damage from the past..

Dave
I would have assumed that, but not as both cars have had the same issue. I’d be interested to know if anyone else has spotted this. I only noticed when fitting spacers. Also All paint is original on the car according to my detailer so I don’t think that is possible.
 

conaero

Forum Owner
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34,631
Not much no. It’s a fight to get them all in so I can’t see much adjustment
 

jasst

Member
Messages
2,316
Well, as you've had it on 2, I would say yes. I will have a look at mine sometime.
 

alfatwo

Member
Messages
5,517
It is possible. The old 105 series Alfas had this. the rear axle was never lined up with the bodyshell, it was more noticeable if fitted with wider wheels, there's about 20mm difference from side to side'

Dave
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
I’ll have a look at a few in the workshop tomorrow morning and see what I can find.

I’ll use a plumb line from the centre arch and measure at the wheel centre
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,959
Whilst fitting some wheel spacers to my Gransport it has become apparent that the left hand rear wheel is closer to the wheel arch (widthways) than the right hand side. Is it possible that the rear subframe has been refitted slightly off centre following a clutch change? I had a 4200 a few years ago, and this was exactly the same - I can’t believe this is how they are supposed to be? Can this be adjusted?

How are you measuring the gap between the wheel and the arch on each side ?

In order to get a true measure of how far it is out and possible causes then you need to measure the gap both sides from at least 2 different points of the 360 degrees of the tyre / wheel. 3 points would be better at 90/180/270 degrees.

Use a spirit level to find absolute level across the center cap and use some low tack tape on the body panels both sides of the wheel so that you have a level static measure point that can not move in between measuring.

Assuming you have matching tyres pick a point on the side wall to measure from each side of the arch to the tyre. Ideally you want to use either the rim protection bead on the tyre or if it has a line all the way round the tyre where the logo is then one of those will do.

Once you have the measure points on each side put 2 / 3 bits of tape on the rims at 9/12/3 o'clock positions.

Measure the gaps between arches and wheel/tyre measure point at the 9pm position and note them down for both sides. Roll the car forward so the 12 o'clock marker is now at the 9 o'clock position and measure again. Taking note again. Move the car forward again until the 3 marker is where the 9 o'clock marked was and note the measurments.

Are the measurements different on each side of the car ?

Do all 3 measurement stay the same on both sides of the car ? If they change on one side only then i would suggest that either your tyres are out of round or you have a buckle in the wheel. You could take the 3 measures again to the rim of the wheel and see if they still change. if thats the case the result would show the wheel itself is out and has a buckle. If it doesnt change its your tyre that is out of round or not seated on the rim correctly all the way round.

To get the most accurate measue i would also check and set your tyre pressures before you start the process.

Ive seen pirelli p zeros tyres that have gone egg shaped on a car which was in daily use. Not flat spotted but actually egg shaped when rolled across a floor.

If you can eliminate the wheels and tyres then you know your looking at either its the set up of the car from factory, camber set up or rose joint issue.
 

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
It is possible. The old 105 series Alfas had this. the rear axle was never lined up with the bodyshell, it was more noticeable if fitted with wider wheels, there's about 20mm difference from side to side'

Dave
I had that on my 105! Your right.
 

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
How are you measuring the gap between the wheel and the arch on each side ?

In order to get a true measure of how far it is out and possible causes then you need to measure the gap both sides from at least 2 different points of the 360 degrees of the tyre / wheel. 3 points would be better at 90/180/270 degrees.

Use a spirit level to find absolute level across the center cap and use some low tack tape on the body panels both sides of the wheel so that you have a level static measure point that can not move in between measuring.

Assuming you have matching tyres pick a point on the side wall to measure from each side of the arch to the tyre. Ideally you want to use either the rim protection bead on the tyre or if it has a line all the way round the tyre where the logo is then one of those will do.

Once you have the measure points on each side put 2 / 3 bits of tape on the rims at 9/12/3 o'clock positions.

Measure the gaps between arches and wheel/tyre measure point at the 9pm position and note them down for both sides. Roll the car forward so the 12 o'clock marker is now at the 9 o'clock position and measure again. Taking note again. Move the car forward again until the 3 marker is where the 9 o'clock marked was and note the measurments.

Are the measurements different on each side of the car ?

Do all 3 measurement stay the same on both sides of the car ? If they change on one side only then i would suggest that either your tyres are out of round or you have a buckle in the wheel. You could take the 3 measures again to the rim of the wheel and see if they still change. if thats the case the result would show the wheel itself is out and has a buckle. If it doesnt change its your tyre that is out of round or not seated on the rim correctly all the way round.

To get the most accurate measue i would also check and set your tyre pressures before you start the process.

Ive seen pirelli p zeros tyres that have gone egg shaped on a car which was in daily use. Not flat spotted but actually egg shaped when rolled across a floor.

If you can eliminate the wheels and tyres then you know your looking at either its the set up of the car from factory, camber set up or rose joint issue.
I didn’t need to do that. Fitted 20mm spacers, one side sits perfectly just inside the arch, other side sticks out by 10mm at least. Has new PS4’s on rear.
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,994
It may be the subframe is correct, and the difference is the wing. Quick way, mark the ground at each tyre edge at the centre where they rest on the ground. Move the car out the way, then measure the diagonals. They should be equal.
 

spkennyuk

Member
Messages
5,959
I didn’t need to do that. Fitted 20mm spacers, one side sits perfectly just inside the arch, other side sticks out by 10mm at least. Has new PS4’s on rear.

Ahh ok. I thought you meant the wheel was closer to the arch along the length of the car. Your saying its out of position across the width of the car.

Were the spacers new and the same size ? From memory the spacer size is different for the front and rears by 5 or 10 mm.
 

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
Ahh ok. I thought you meant the wheel was closer to the arch along the length of the car. Your saying its out of position across the width of the car.

Were the spacers new and the same size ? From memory the spacer size is different for the front and rears by 5 or 10 mm.
Yes width ways - used 15mm spacers and the difference is significant - at least 10mm.
 

Lewis Gregory

Junior Member
Messages
39
I used a spirit measure today hung from the wheel wheel arch to measure distance to the wheel center from a line perpendicular to the arch. Left side was 36mm, right side 44mm. Tyre to line in left was about 11mm, in the right more like 25mm. Does anyone else have this?
 

jasst

Member
Messages
2,316
Just been out and measured mine, spirit level touching bottom of tyre in centre line of wheel, measured gap from top of wheel arch to spirit level, left=24mm, right= 12mm. (I have 15mm spacers fitted)