Tracking

[Bambino126]

After I rebuilt my front suspension earlier in the year with all new components, I noticed that my steering wheel now sits crooked when driving in a straight line, and the amount of "toe-out" seems to have drastically increased when looking at the wheels.

Also the front tyres are now fast wearing out with bad "feathering" on the inside edges.

So I've been to 2 different tyre shops to try to get my wheel alignment done and both times they were unable to do it because the car was too small for their machine.

They showed me how it works and the cars 4 wheels have to sit on 4 different wobbly plates to see how they sit in relation to each other, but the problem was that the back wheels couldn't even get on the back plates because the car is too short. Smart cars must have this problem too??

So my question is this - How do you guys set up your tracking?

Is there a way of checking it at home or with some piece of equipment?
Thanks

[Rusty's Uncle]

I have done this in the past by using a couple of longish lengths of string fixed to wood blocks at the end. It relies on the rims and tyres being true. Fix the loose end of the strings to the rear side of the tyres with a pin or blue tack at a height where the string can touch both outer faces of the tyre. Move the blocks in so the strings just touch both outer faces of the tyres then with a tape rule you can measure the toe in or out across the strings. A bit mickey mouse but it has worked for me. If you want a pro job done the I recently spoke to a guy that has just had his 500 alignment set up 

[drcdb15]

Presumably a long-established Fiat main dealer should have the kit to do this. In the days before laser alignment, dealers would use a long rigid metal frame with mysterious screws and micrometer-like gauges at each end. So not unlike a bit of string, really ... 

Anyway, a decent 'traditional' main dealer has probably still got this tucked away in a dusty corner somewhere.

[ChrisRLewis]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0ytDJ0mJoQ[/youtube]

[Bambino126]

Thanks rusty, I have heard about the " string method" in practical classics I think, will have to dig out the article.

Chris, the Tracright, looks promising, has anyone on here used one?

[1973/126]

 I use this home made device made by my dad to do my tracking. I thought it was bit stone age, but it seems high tech compared to a string
 

[ChrisRLewis]

Chris, the Tracright, looks promising, has anyone on here used one?

I have used my trakrite for years, it's easy to use although it's a bit time consuming if adjustment is needed. You also require a flat and level area to use this device..

[drcdb15]

Seems the Trakrite is readily available on eBay (also Demon Tweeks etc) for a mere £45:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/141509526917?adgroupid=13585920426&hlpht=true&hlpv=2&rlsatarget=kwd-75951458106&adtype=pla&ff3=1&lpid=122&poi=&ul_noapp=true&limghlpsr=true&device=c&chn=ps&campaignid=207297426&crdt=0&ff12=67&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=80

That has to be a good investment when you think what a tyre shed or main dealer would charge for just one alignment session.

[drcdb15]

I thought it was bit stone age,
 

Given that it seems to be made from reinforcing rods for concrete, "stone" age would seem to be spot on!

 
 

[Rusty's Uncle]

Went to a local charity sale yesterday. Just had to buy this for £4 )







Done a quick test and it seems to do the job.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[ChrisRLewis]

That's a bargain!

[Bambino126]

Thanks Rusty, will definitely get one now.