Wheel Alignment - What kind of shop should I look for

[mhartman]

I'm in North Atlanta and I recently picked up ERA 706. A wheel alignment is on my list because the steering wheel is off center and it pulls a little bit. I have the ERA rear end with the outboard brakes. What type of shop should I look for and what should I expect as far as the process goes. Can I just show up with the specs from the manual or should I have more info?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by mhartman

I'm in North Atlanta and I recently picked up ERA 706. A wheel alignment is on my list because the steering wheel is off center and it pulls a little bit. I have the ERA rear end with the outboard brakes. What type of shop should I look for and what should I expect as far as the process goes. Can I just show up with the specs from the manual or should I have more info?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Pick a shop that you trust, otherwise, street alignment is like working on any other car. A spec sheet is helpful, but not necessary for a quality shop to do the work.


Bill S.

[patrickt]

Bill's right, there's nothing to it. Any alignment shop can handle it. The rear toe is a little more difficult than the front. Tell the shop to check it and tell you first if it falls within these specs:

Front End Toe-in: 1/16"-1/8" (0.1-0.2 degrees/side)
Rear End Toe-in: 0-1/16" (0-1/4 deg.)
Front End Camber: 0 deg. +/- 1/4 (must be changed with shims)
Rear End Camber: -3/4 deg. +/- 1/4 deg. (this is adjustable, but is complicated)
Front End Caster: 4 1/2 deg. +/- 1/2 (must be changed with shims)

Then have them adjust the front end so your wheel is straight. If they say they have to remove the steering wheel, don't let them. They'll scratch up the center plug. Do that yourself and come back. I set the front toe with a trammel bar and have the steering wheel on a quick release. The job is very easy to do once someone shows you how.

[mhartman]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it!