Speck :: 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (Garage entry)

[Eggman]

Thanks again for your insight, 3dplane.

Now that we are back from visiting, I set up a crude alignment check using some common hardware. I took a bunch of photos and saved them to one of my photo albums called Alignment. I used a pole from my roof rake kit, strapped to the rear tires using rubber bands and took some photos. Next I tied some twine from front to rear to get a feel for how the rear tires are set.

The front tires were not pointed straight ahead, so it's not very accurate, but an approximation. That being said, it still appeared the rear tires were toe-in - slightly. This was most apparent using string, as both rear tires had 3/8ths an inch gap at the front of the rear tire and it's string to the front tire, if that makes sense.

I'll include some photos here. If you like, browse the Alignment photo album for more.












The ruler helps illustrate the gap better than I might be able to explain. I should have been more careful to set the front wheels as straight as I could... I'll be perfect next time.

Now that I have the photos here to see side-by-side a few things come to mind. In particular, the dish of the rims could affect this gap on my string, and I didn't pay attention to this. For example, the hub cap of my aluminum rim might push out the string away from my tire, skewing my little experiment. Also, as 3dplane explained, the rear axle track is narrower than the front.

In the end, it doesn't mean much, except to confirm the findings of my dealership alignment check. It might be useful to someone who wants to check their rear axle alignment.

As an aside, I haven't yet heard from the service manager at Sunnyside regarding a replacement rear axle. With 3dplane's observations, I'm not sure I need, or even want one.

It would be interesting to see photos of Mirage's with rear axle alignment problems using a similar setup, just for comparison.

[MightyMirageMpg]

is the front and rear track width the same?

my rims and tires look visually off like you described (toe in/camber). always chalked it up too the way the bodys shaped. car feels stable, wheels centered, and doesn't pull, which is all that matters too me.

[Eggman]

is the front and rear track width the same?

It is my understanding that the rear is narrower. I'll have to check.

[Alex1a1f]

It is my understanding that the rear is narrower. I'll have to check.

The rear track is narrower, a press release I read a year ago or so said Mits did this because it helps reduce drag and increase mpg.

[Eggman]

Here are the suspension specifications. The track info I got from Mitsubishi's press release web page for the 2014, the 2015, and the 2017.

Track	2014 Mirage	2015 Mirage	2017 Mirage
Front	56.3 in.	56.3 in.	56.3 in.
Rear	55.7 in.	55.7 in.	55.7 in.

So the rear track is narrower, just as 3dplane said. For all three model years, in fact.


The following info I found in the 2015 service manual.

Suspension Specifications	2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
Front Toe-in At the center of tire tread mm (in)	0 ± 3 (0.0 ± 0.1)
Front Camber	0°05' ± 0°45' *
Front Caster	4°00' ± 0°45'
Front Kingpin inclination	11°35' ± 1°30'
Rear Toe-in At the center of tire tread mm (in)	2.5 ± 3 (0.10 ± 0.12)
Camber	-1°00' ± 0°45' *

NOTE: *: Difference between right and left wheels must be 0°30' or less.

It appears that, according to the service manual, my rear axle is indeed out of spec for camber by 0°07'.



3dplane, any thoughts on the rear axle camber specs? I ask because you said that my alignment numbers were good.

[3dplane]

Interesting. I guess the info in the manual contradicts what the alignment machine's specs show. Hunter must get their specs
from the manufacturer one would think.
See the specs in the upper corners of bar graph.




I throw my hands up in the air. Also if they had not ordered your axle yet or for whatever reason it is not on the way,I would hold on to the one you got.

BTW those images are of mine with the homemade contraption installed to keep toe in under control.

[MightyMirageMpg]

Also if they had not ordered your axle yet or for whatever reason it is not on the way,I would hold on to the one you got

x2

[Eggman]

Also if they had not ordered your axle yet or for whatever reason it is not on the way,I would hold on to the one you got.

Thanks for your advice, it is much appreciated. Also, I hope you can give an update on your rear axle alignment correction rig!

---

Another fuel log entry, another best tank (60.8 mpg.) An achievement for me, an ordinary tank for others. Probably due to variances in fill-up. For example, I didn't top off after auto shut-off, like I did for the previous tank.

I am curious to see if the dealer alignment of my front wheels will have any impact on my fuel economy. I'm sure it will, just not sure if it will be measurable.

Drive safe, everyone. Remember, there's kids out there.

[MetroMPG]

Congrats on the record tank!

[MightyMirageMpg]

60mpg is fantastic great job

Feels good to break 60, I imagine.

If you tow your tires out too 0, keep in mind it'll feel "numb" with less turn in, and more wander from bumps/crown of road, and significantly less stability.

I must ask.. what is prompting all the suspension adjustments and fiddling? Are you experiencing issues or just experimenting?