DIY wheel alignments

[Voyager]

Anyone having success with DIY wheel alignments?

Noticed there are several tools out there, such as this caster and camber gauge: Camber Gauge and Castor Tools. Suppose you could use strings and lasers for toe.

With 2 sports cars, 2 SUVs, and a pickup, the tool should pay for itself fairly quickly.

Can these types of tools do an accurate adjustment?

Bob

[Wbulk]

I bought this. But I will have to wait for spring when my car is done.

Fastrax Camber/Caster Gauge from Eastwood - YouTube

[ItBites]

I do mine with turning plates under the tires and I string the center of the frame and measure very carefully to locate strings outboard of the tires from there. I measure camber with a level vertically across the wheel lips using feeler gages at the top, then do the trig to get the angle. I do the same method to get equal caster side to side with the wheels turned to full lock both directions. I dont care about the actual caster value, just that it is equal side to side and I max it out for my adjustment range. The toe is straightforward measuring to the wheel lip horizontally from the strings outboard of the tires. I have never had a better alignment, but it takes me about 2 days to get it perfect on both ends of the car. Way better than any shop I have used.

[bobcowan]

Yes, if you're very carefull about what you're doing, you can do this job at home with one of thoose tools. Remember that you're measuring increments of 1/32" and 0.25*. Spend the money and get the right tools, it makes your life much easier. And, I know I'v said this a couple of hundre times before - you can't do a good job with crappy tools.

I use this Fastrax gauge: FASTRAX Gauges - FASTRAX Adjustable Caster/Camber Gauge with this Toe adapter: FASTRAX Gauges - FASTRAX Optional Toe Adapter

You have to understand what you're doing, and why you're doing it. Take your time and don't skip any steps.

[Hans-Olof Blom]

A Swedish Company, called Gloi AB, will soon release a tool for wheel alignment. Their product will make it very easy.

AliSENSOR Wheel - YouTube

[Voyager]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the feedback.

Bob