Wheel alignment question

[portland_bill]

I have a cunning plan Maybe I've watched too much Blackadder lately LOL.

I take pictures of the tyre tread, take pictures of the thread on the tie rod, record the date and mileage - and then wait! As I'm driving around 800 miles a week at the moment, i don't have to wait long before any irregular tyre tread shows up.

I know the pitch of the thread on the tie rod, its 1.5mm, so one full turn per wheel is 1.5mm toe-in or toe-out. I've marked the tie rods around the circumference into thirds with tippex. I can rotate both inner tie rods by one third and I have 1mm total change.

I suspect we may be at the point where people start telling me to take it to the garage for alignment. I won't be doing that lol

The flaw here is that you don't know the starting point, so you're adjusting from an unknown position.
Search the forums, find the string alignment posts, one of them will explain in good detail. That'll be very close if done carefully.
There's also a way to do it with a long straight bar (tramel), if you search for 'alignment', you should find that explained too.

If you overadjust, in either direction, tyre wear is the least of your problems, as handling will be seriously affected. If you fail to negotiate a bend, and have a collision, your vehicle may be subjected to an examination. If found to be well outside tolerances, you could be in for a serious fine and points. If you've survived.

An alignment centre is the best option, but also costs money. To do it yourself is very satisfying, and cheap, btu please string, or tramels. Get it right, without guesswork.

 

[AnthonyH]

The flaw here is that you don't know the starting point, so you're adjusting from an unknown position.
Search the forums, find the string alignment posts, one of them will explain in good detail. That'll be very close if done carefully.
There's also a way to do it with a long straight bar (tramel), if you search for 'alignment', you should find that explained too.

If you overadjust, in either direction, tyre wear is the least of your problems, as handling will be seriously affected. If you fail to negotiate a bend, and have a collision, your vehicle may be subjected to an examination. If found to be well outside tolerances, you could be in for a serious fine and points. If you've survived.

An alignment centre is the best option, but also costs money. To do it yourself is very satisfying, and cheap, btu please string, or tramels. Get it right, without guesswork.

I'm not sure what you mean by you don't know you're starting position. I bought the car a little toe out, and have adjusted from there. It's never been far away, and it handles just fine. I drove 150 miles in it today. I can understand your concern though and I'll look up strings and tramels.

 

[jackwhoo]

I'm not sure what you mean by you don't know you're starting position. I bought the car a little toe out, and have adjusted from there. It's never been far away, and it handles just fine. I drove 150 miles in it today. I can understand your concern though and I'll look up strings and tramels.

Hi,
I think couple of us are puzzled how you knew the cars exact toe setting when you bought it? Knowing the exact toe setting being a starting point before adjustment.
Cheers
Jack

 

[rmjbn1]

I agree, I think if you have concerns it isn't tracking correctly, first step would be to find out what the alignment is before making adjustments. Either by DIY methods or taking it in for alignment.