Front wheel alignment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Kristiansand
Front wheel alignment
Got an alignment problem at the inspection, the guy told me I had far to much toe-in. he measured it by driving over a freely moving panel that was recessed in the floor.
This gave a reading of 9mm (.34").
As I understand it this is some kind of lateral movement of the panel.
I've never seen this way of measuring before and asked what it means in degrees, to compare it to the Shop manual spec.
But apparently the inspection mechanic didn't even understand how to interpret the data himself, only that my reading was way above what he normally gets....
The shop manual specify max 5/8" (15.9mm) total, 0.60deg per wheel.
From what I could tell from a quick look at the shops test panel it seems that it means the wheel (or maybe the sum of both wheels) moves 9mm sideways during 1m (3.28feet) forward travel. This should indicate that my toe-in is 0.5deg per wheel which is within the accepted limits.
Anyone who knows more about this?
This gave a reading of 9mm (.34").
As I understand it this is some kind of lateral movement of the panel.
I've never seen this way of measuring before and asked what it means in degrees, to compare it to the Shop manual spec.
But apparently the inspection mechanic didn't even understand how to interpret the data himself, only that my reading was way above what he normally gets....
The shop manual specify max 5/8" (15.9mm) total, 0.60deg per wheel.
From what I could tell from a quick look at the shops test panel it seems that it means the wheel (or maybe the sum of both wheels) moves 9mm sideways during 1m (3.28feet) forward travel. This should indicate that my toe-in is 0.5deg per wheel which is within the accepted limits.
Anyone who knows more about this?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Re: Front wheel alignment (Ingar, Norway)
This might be slightly excessive toe-in in my experience. The 1970 shop manual specifies 3/16 - 5/16 inch (remember these are for bias ply tires) and the Vette Brakes manual specifies 1/32 inch for a '63 - '82 daily driver (more modern specs). Are you saying that they check alignment during some sort of inspection over there?
You might explain to them that Corvettes travel at high speeds. At these speeds, the stress on the front suspension tends to toe the wheels outward. This offsets the resting toe-in and results in a neutral wheel alignment. (At least that's what I would try to say...) :rolleyes:
Good luck...
You might explain to them that Corvettes travel at high speeds. At these speeds, the stress on the front suspension tends to toe the wheels outward. This offsets the resting toe-in and results in a neutral wheel alignment. (At least that's what I would try to say...) :rolleyes:
Good luck...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 1
From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
Re: Front wheel alignment (Ingar, Norway)
Ingar Years ago (70's) I operated a diagnostic & alignment machine with what we call a "scuff " gauge and basically that is what they used to diagnos your out of alignment situation. Basically if you have a alignment problem (using the word problem loosely) you will detect it on the scuff gauge. Ie: the tires are scuffing as it crosses the plate. Many times if the operater had his foot on the brake as he crossed the gauge it would give a way out reading, so if he was afraid of your car he may have been riding the brake. As far as the accuracy of the gauge I believe it is very or should I say it accurately points out cars that need a alignment. That is very simple to detect. Ie: without hooking it up to the alignment machine to find out the car didn't need a alignment. ( of coarse that never happened ;) ;) especially when you have a alignment machine :) I think the term you used then was your alignment was not that bad SIR!. :)
