How to Align?
#2
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It takes specialized equipment to do a proper alignment. Mostly found at repair shops. Though, you could spend thousands of dollars on a laser alignment system.
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#4
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i've done it with a tape measure and my wife holding the other end for checking toe, a level for checking camber, can't really find a way to measure caster, but that shouldn't change much, if at all, unless in a wreck.
#5
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I did the same to get it close, and then took it in for an alignment. Once I saw the results of the alignment I realized that my idea of close wasn't very close at all.
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works for me.
REAL easy if you know the rear end is 100%, since then all you need to do is match tread distances on the front and rear sides of the front tires, then adjust the tie rods as a pair to move the steering wheel to center.
i've gotten a LOT of miles out of that method with no odd wear or steering issues.
REAL easy if you know the rear end is 100%, since then all you need to do is match tread distances on the front and rear sides of the front tires, then adjust the tie rods as a pair to move the steering wheel to center.
i've gotten a LOT of miles out of that method with no odd wear or steering issues.
#7
Senior Member
True Car Nut
works for me.
REAL easy if you know the rear end is 100%, since then all you need to do is match tread distances on the front and rear sides of the front tires, then adjust the tie rods as a pair to move the steering wheel to center.
i've gotten a LOT of miles out of that method with no odd wear or steering issues.
REAL easy if you know the rear end is 100%, since then all you need to do is match tread distances on the front and rear sides of the front tires, then adjust the tie rods as a pair to move the steering wheel to center.
i've gotten a LOT of miles out of that method with no odd wear or steering issues.
I aligned the front tires so they were perfectly parallel to each other, and IIRC I was out 2* on each one. If you check the alignment specs I think there is supposed to be a slight "toe in" on the front tires.
#8
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Here are the alignment specs for a 2000 Bonneville. If you set the front tires to be parallel to each other you won't get abnormal tire wear, but the front end won't track well on the highway. On a straight and level surface the front end will feel like it is wandering.
#10
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I lined mine up like you described, then took it in for an alignment next to where I work. The drive in to work is 35 minutes, mostly on expressways, and mostly at 75 MPH +. It felt to me like the front end was wandering, and I was constantly adjusting the steering wheel to keep a straight line. After the alignment, it tracked like normal.
Perhaps you could use your method, but then adjust the toe in by 0.010" on each side? In other words, the tread to tread distance on the front of the tire would be 0.020" less than the tread to tread distance on the back of the tire.
Just a thought. Up to you if you want to try it or not.
Perhaps you could use your method, but then adjust the toe in by 0.010" on each side? In other words, the tread to tread distance on the front of the tire would be 0.020" less than the tread to tread distance on the back of the tire.
Just a thought. Up to you if you want to try it or not.