Real simple Alignment question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Real simple Alignment question
Hi All,
A real simple question if you know the answer - Ive searched and searched and cant find a definitive answer.
When it is stated that toe in should be 1/16 or 1/8 of an inch, is this measured at the rim or at the tyre?
Also when this is stated I am guessing it is a total difference rather than 1/16 per wheel from the centre axis?
I have purchased a laser alignment guage that measured in degrees and minutes, I have found conversion tables to convert from inches into minutes that has now lead to the question of where this measurement is taken.
Been searching for ages now and just cant find an answer!
Thanks Guys,
Lester
A real simple question if you know the answer - Ive searched and searched and cant find a definitive answer.
When it is stated that toe in should be 1/16 or 1/8 of an inch, is this measured at the rim or at the tyre?
Also when this is stated I am guessing it is a total difference rather than 1/16 per wheel from the centre axis?
I have purchased a laser alignment guage that measured in degrees and minutes, I have found conversion tables to convert from inches into minutes that has now lead to the question of where this measurement is taken.
Been searching for ages now and just cant find an answer!
Thanks Guys,
Lester
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Thanks Mako, But that spec sheet clears up the question as to whether its total toe in or toe in per wheel, but still does not state at what distance from the centre line (How far away from the wheel centreline, IE Rim edge or tyre outside diameter) that the measurement is taken.
Am I missing something here?
This really is driving me mad!
Lester
Am I missing something here?
This really is driving me mad!
Lester
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario
We used to chalk the tire around the circumference at the centre of the tread. Then with like a nail in a holder to keep it steady, mark a well defined line all around the tire.
Now with a bar that has two adjustable pointers on it, and reach up to the centre of the tire at the front and the back, adjust the tie rod sleeves till the proper toe in is set, checking back to front.
That's the old school way, I never used the high-fangled thing you discribed.
Oh yes and when they say 1/8" toe they mean total not per side.
The Brits say tyre, are you by chance?
Last edited by ClockworkOrange; Mar 15, 2010 at 11:05 PM. Reason: Missed one point.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Indeed, you caught me out with my tyre rather than tire.
At least I didnt start speaking in Mertic rather that imperial. haha.
Thanks for clearing that up, it seems to be general feeling that it is done at the 'tire' rather than at the rim edge.
Basically it comes down to me going halves on the equipment (which wsa about $600) with all the laser's etc to get it 100% spot on and then realising that the old way is the best and we shouldnt have spent the money and bought it in the first place! haha
Will use the new equipment on the daily drivers and modern cars and stick to the old methods with the older cars, alot more simple and more accurate.
Thanks Guys,
Lester
At least I didnt start speaking in Mertic rather that imperial. haha.
Thanks for clearing that up, it seems to be general feeling that it is done at the 'tire' rather than at the rim edge.
Basically it comes down to me going halves on the equipment (which wsa about $600) with all the laser's etc to get it 100% spot on and then realising that the old way is the best and we shouldnt have spent the money and bought it in the first place! haha
Will use the new equipment on the daily drivers and modern cars and stick to the old methods with the older cars, alot more simple and more accurate.
Thanks Guys,
Lester
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i use a method similar to clockwork. i stick masking tape to the middle circumference of the tire, then use a jackstand to steady a marker to leave a nice ,sharp line on the tape as the tire is rotated.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Kansas