tires are cross eyed

jojoegen · #1 (**permalink**) 04-11-2010, 09:21 AM

Hi guys.I'm looking at the front of my shell valley and notice the left tire looking left and the right tire looking right and the steering wheel aint't straight.She hasn't been driven yet and I would like to know how to straighten them out so I can get to the ailignment shop.The nuts on the rack are loose.I guess they put it together just to be able to roll it.Please help'Maybe I just need better glasses,ya think?

Ron61 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-11-2010, 09:51 AM

You should be able to use a string and get it close enough for a short drive. Also be sure to check all of the nuts and bolts if you already know some are loose. I am not familiar with the shell valley front end alignment set up, so I can't tell you what to adjust. If you have the adjustable A arms that would be the place to start.

Ron

ACBill · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2010, 10:59 AM

Not sure exactly what set up you have as far as steering rack, inner rod ends etc, but usually you can do a simple toe alignment at home enough to safely drive it to the alignment shop.

First make sure the car is on a flat smooth level surface. Jack the tires up off the ground slightly, and slip some plastic garbage bags under the tires. This will allow the tires to turn with little friction. (Note you can't do this on a gravel driveway..lol). Centre the steering wheel. Loosen the small end of the inner tie rod end boots by removing the clamps. (You don't want the boots twisting as you turn the inner rod ends). Loosen the jam nut on the outer tie rod ends. Using a tape measure, gradually adjust the inner tie rod ends until your measurement is the same at the back and front of the wheel rims, when measured across the car. Check to make sure your steering wheel remains centered while you do all this. If you could clamp it somehow that would help.

I can only presume that the outer tie rod ends are the correct size ones for your car. Sometimes they have to be changed do to the set up, either using longer or shorter ones. This is to preevent the inner rod end threads from either bottoming out in the outer rod end, or not having enough thread bite. You should have at minimum 3/4" of thread inserted in the outer rod end.

Camber and caster adjustments may be needed as well, again depending on your set up, but these can be done at the alignment shop. Sounds like you just need to get your basic toe set for now.
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SoTxButler · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2010, 01:29 PM

Expanding on ACBill's comment:

I use a tape measure from centerline to centerline of the tire on the front and rear of the tire (same height on tire). The front should be 1/4" less than the rear. Then split that for 1/8" tow-in on each side and you'll be good to go.

ACBill · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010, 07:29 AM

Russ's method of using a groove in the center of the tires tread, is a much easier way to measure side to side, front and back of the tire. (rather than the wheel rim, as I had mentioned)
Just make sure you use the same groove on both tires..lol

elmariachi · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2010, 08:31 AM

You'll need the specs from Shell Valley for the alignment guys, but they can do the rest, including getting your steering wheel in line.

Note to self: You need to set your corner height/weight BEFORE you align it. If you align it and modify your suspension height it will change your alignment.