|
||
|
1st September 2020, 21:38 | #1 |
Can't help myself
Rover 75 Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 865
Thanks: 469
Thanked 150 Times in 113 Posts
|
DIY wheel alignment - anyone do it?
Just canvassing opinion on this one. Having rebuilt much of the front-end and now facing the alignment charge, I'm wondering who's successfully done their own alignment, and by which method?
Dougie.
__________________
R75 C2 RJBLH Connoisseur CDTi Auto Saloon Built 08/02/2005 @14:57 hrs: Registered 26/08/2005 122nd of 141 built that day British Racing Green Pearlescent (HFF) Sandstone leather with black piping (SPJ) 136,000 miles |
2nd September 2020, 06:50 | #2 |
I really should get out more.......
MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Witney
Posts: 2,503
Thanks: 6
Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts
|
I have done it in the past using pieces of wood. All seemed good on the road but for peace of mind I popped into the local tyre place as they were not going to charge me if it was OK. I was a mile off.
If I had rushed the job I would not have been surprised but I took my time and double checked everything. When you consider what tyres cost alignment is cheap. Just make sure all the adjusters are copper greased and in my view it is money well spent. |
2nd September 2020, 08:09 | #3 |
This is my second home
Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin)
Posts: 21,751
Thanks: 341
Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts
|
4-Wheel alignment requires the rears to be set first so that the Thrust Angle is correct. Is there a DIY method for doing it? The fronts are then set against the proper rear setting.
Having had mine aligned at the local tyre depot, I found the rears could then be tuned to the sweet spot using a Gunson Trakrite gauge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0ytDJ0mJoQ TC |
4th September 2020, 18:26 | #4 |
Loves to post
Rover 75 Club SE 1.8T 03 plate. Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tenterden
Posts: 277
Thanks: 28
Thanked 41 Times in 37 Posts
|
I've used the string method in the past but usually just use my Gunsun Trakrite. Dont think garages with the right equipment can be asked to spend the time to get it any more accurate then what I can.
|
5th September 2020, 12:12 | #5 |
This is my second home
Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin)
Posts: 21,751
Thanks: 341
Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts
|
After I'd had four wheel tracking on new tyres done by MGR on a brand new laser rig, my Gunson gizmo indicated a small residual shear on both rears. Following a small tweek to get zero shear, the drive was noticably nicer. The Gunson hits your individual sweet spot. The Hunter tracking rig puts the wheels into specification. This is always a small range within which lies your sweet spot.
TC |
14th September 2020, 21:54 | #6 |
Regular poster
MG ZT-T Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Bedford
Posts: 44
Thanks: 7
Thanked 26 Times in 11 Posts
|
You can do it yes. 4 axle stands set out in a measured rectangle, car in centre, string on each side with a bob weight to keep it taught then measure the distance from string to front of the wheel that's how the race cars do it all be it with a posh frame. Easier to get it laser aligned tho
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|