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| Home wheel alignment (Page 2/3) |
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WAWUZAT
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DEC 08, 07:02 PM
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Setting toe-in? A simpler method is to do the same thing the NASCAR guys do ... but it usually takes two people. Two flat boards, one held against each wheel, and two tape measures beneath the car. Me? Back in the 80s, I built a large aluminum adjustable caliper to measure the front & rear edges of the wheels.
Rear wheel toe-in is more fun because then you have to adjust them relative to the car's centerline, and not relative to each other.
Still, this was a good write-up. The plastic shopping bag idea has worked well for me, too. Steering wheel not centered? Once you've got the toe-in adjusted between the two front wheels, simply turn both adjustments on the tie-rod ends the same number of turns until the steering wheel is straight up again ... may take a couple or three tries to get it right.[This message has been edited by WAWUZAT (edited 12-08-2007).]
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buddycraigg
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DEC 08, 07:55 PM
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i just did this last night.
but i didn't use any 2x4s.
i just used 4 jack stands with string.
i got the strings even away from all four centers of the wheels, right next to the where the center caps go in.
unless i'm missing something, it should still work because i'm making a symmetrical parallelogram.
guess i'll find out tomorrow.
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Dodgerunner
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DEC 09, 10:55 AM
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Yes Buddycraiggggg that should work just fine. <- wanted to give you a few more for those that forget them 
Did you find your toe off?
The only problem it might not show is if there was any frame damage to was causing dog tracking or inset wheel like a bent cradle.
It would take a good eye to spot it though...[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 12-09-2007).]
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Fieroseverywhere
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DEC 09, 01:10 PM
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I know they a little spendy for most people but they will pay for themselves by the first or second time you use them. Not including the time they save.
http://www.harborfreight.co...taf?itemnumber=45742
I have use the string method and had very good luck with it but once I bought a set of these I realized how much easier they are to use and will never go back to the string. Just make sure they are square, jack up the car and set it down on top of them. Make sure your steering wheel is straight and make adjustments as necissary. Works like a charm. Didn't know if you guys knew these were out there or not just thought I'd throw it out there just in case.
EDIT: I also place a 1x8 or whatever I have handy under the tires the plates are not under to level the car. I have found that it is a little more accurate then the string method.[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 12-09-2007).]
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Dodgerunner
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DEC 09, 02:57 PM
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I use to use one of those in high school years ago working at a station. Was for auto inspections.
We called it a Wigi board. Was about 3 feet long so it would give a better reading...[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 12-09-2007).]
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buddycraigg
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DEC 09, 04:10 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Dodgerunner:
Did you find your toe off? |
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yep
but i knew it was off before. my steering wheel was off center and i had a slight pull
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Robert 2
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APR 28, 09:01 PM
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Here is some infos on degree and equivalent for 13" 14" and 15" wheels .
 [This message has been edited by Robert 2 (edited 04-29-2008).]
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Robert 2
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MAY 12, 07:16 PM
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I did that method and it works
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TRiAD
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MAY 12, 09:21 PM
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If this is something you're doing somewhat regularly, there are MANY products out there to do it properly and quickly.
Longacre's Catalog has tons of caster/camber gauges, bump-steer gauges, etc.
There are also many "on-wheel" gauges out there, like this one from Tein.
Adjustable control arms (usually tubular) are a major help in this as well, like these from Held.
Some good write-ups here, though, and there's nothing wrong with DIY; as long as you're very precise in what you're doing.
Not only can a bad setup cost you time on the track, it can make your car handle unsafely, and will wear your tires and suspension components prematurely.
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~Michael
Project IMSA Formula Coming Soon!
'85 GT 4sp white - SOLD | | '85 2M6 Auto red - SOLD | | '84 2M4 bare chassis - SOLD
Crap, I'm out of Fieros! Time to buy another!! - "Your mileage may vary."
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Robert 2
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MAY 12, 11:00 PM
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Thanks first time i do this in 50 years. But thanks for the link
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