Just got my Jeep back from my dealer, as you can see...



Dealership was struggling doing the alignment after my Jeep was involved in a bad HWY accident, so the dealership installed Cam bolts.


Should I tack weld those bolts?
I am afraid that they will move in heavy wheeling.

 

Just paint a thin line through the bolt and onto the frame, and check it after your offroad trips. If it doesn't slip, no worries. If it eventually does, then get it tacked or weld up the holes and swap to adjustables.

Leaving them un-tacked gives you the option of adjusting your caster a small bit if needed.

If one slips offroad, you lose 2 degrees of caster on one side. Shouldn't be a huge deal until you get back to civilization.

 

What wrong with these bolts?
and why they are not center?

 

That is a cam bolt kit that the dealership put on to adjust the OP's caster. They enlarge the holes on the lower control arm bracket on the axle, the off center washer hole allows the caster to be adjusted over a limited range by rotating the washer.

 

I agree with first response. You got them, it may not be the best option in the world, but best just to play around and see what you think. Worst case scenario at this point is you just have to keep an eye on them and adjust when needed. You might as well invest in a good torque wrench and maintain your suspension, it's a good idea regardless of whether or not you have cam bolts.

 

will purchasing adjustable control arms help?

 

I'm by no means an expert on this but if it were my Jeep I would be a bit concerned that cambolts are a bandaid. Put differently - if the dealership had repaired the damage correctly and fully then there should be no need for adjustable cambolts (assuming the geometry was all good to start with before the accident). The fact that they were necessary begs the question "is there something in the frame or elsewhere that remains out of line and the dealership have used cambolts to mask the problem rather than fixing the source?"

Sorry to be a buzzkill - also I'd repeat that I'm no expert but I would think it's a question worth asking - i.e. get the insurance to make the damage "good" if you can.

Having said all that - adjustable control arms would enable a similar (and more robust) correction than cambolts. i.e. They're a better option but I'd still investigate what's wrong with the underlying geometry.

Just my 2c.

Steve

 

He wouldn't need cam bolts if he had front adjustable LCAs. Cam bolts are known to slip when used off road. OP's best bet would be to weld up the work that the dealer has done and install front adjustable LCAs. If he doesn't off road, then the cam bolts will probably be okay--many street vehicles use them--though the adjustment range is limited. He may experience flighty steering if he lifts the vehicle (or already has a lift) and won't be able to get sufficient caster to make for a satisfying feel at the steering wheel. Again, front adjustable LCAs are the best answer.