DIY Tracking - The Gunson Trakrite

[Raistlin]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Not many of us can get wheel alignment done for £15 cash. Four wheel laser tracking is typically £50-£80. According to some, not all tracking stations do a good job. Many people believe if you want a job done right, you do it yourself. DIY toe adjustment has never been reliable, but Gunson says this gadget is accurate, hence my question. I'm not recommending it, nor am I thinking of getting one, but someone must have tried it.

TC

My 4 wheel laser tracking was, as I said, £25. That was at Tyre Services, a subsidiary of Kwack-Fit so I'd guess that might be a reasonably constant figure nationwide.

Looking at the invoice presented to my insurers for the recent repairs to VeeKay, the garage charged £80 for a complete Optiflex alignment which, if I understand it correctly, check the entire suspension alignment out.

It seems incongruous that a simple 4 wheel laser tracking should cost between £50 and £80.

[The_Monk]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

Not many of us can get wheel alignment done for £15 cash. Four wheel laser tracking is typically £50-£80. According to some, not all tracking stations do a good job. Many people believe if you want a job done right, you do it yourself. DIY toe adjustment has never been reliable, but Gunson says this gadget is accurate, hence my question. I'm not recommending it, nor am I thinking of getting one, but someone must have tried it.

TC

WOW!! That is a hefty sum for tracking! No wonder you would want to do it yourself! Living next to a big city has it's advantages I suppose, plenty of choices for services offered.

[Lates]

Bear in mind gents theres a whole load of difference between a quick £15 track reset and £50/£80 optiflex / geometry set.

I pay £55 ish for my cars to be done but I know when I leave all the angles are spot on not just the toe.

[JohnDotCom]

As Lates says I don't think there is a Kwik Fit in the Land that has either the Equipment or Capable staff to do the Proper Adjustments etc to rear wheels.
They advertise 4 wheel alignment but as far as I have seen to date never touch the Rear wheels at all.
Don't mind being corrected on that and if your Happy that to is good news.
As a note I paid £85 for 4 wheel laser/Geometry check and alignment.
It took them an hour to check and adjust everything.

[rovermech]

I am a retired garage owner but still do a bit of servicing and mot repairs, I have had a Trakrite for a good number of years and find it a very good tool
always check the cars I service, its so easy to use and it does show which wheel requires attention. I can honesty say I have never had to change a tyre on one of my vehicles, because the tyre has worn uneven.
If you do your own repairs I think you would find the tool well worth the money.

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by rovermech

I am a retired garage owner but still do a bit of servicing and mot repairs, I have had a Trakrite for a good number of years and find it a very good tool. Always check the cars I service, its so easy to use and it does show which wheel requires attention. I can honesty say I have never had to change a tyre on one of my vehicles, because the tyre has worn uneven.
If you do your own repairs I think you would find the tool well worth the money.

That's the sort of answer I'm interested in. Many thanks for your views.
Has anyone else used this kit?

TC

[lwindridge]

I use one on my MX-5 due to it being too low to get onto most places ramps.

Never had a problem with the tracking after using it and would definitely recommend one if you've got a particularly bumpy set of roads around you as I've known that to throw tracking off over time...

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by lwindridge

- - - - would definitely recommend one ...

Mm, two votes for. Maybe Gunson have got something here.

TC