Adjust your string accordingly until you have an equal measurement. 1. With the ruler I keep the spoke 1 foot above the ground. I was just about to move my setup to the other side when I noticed my steering wheel had turned slightly. You need the string to sit roughly at the center of the tire, so make sure that the objects you tie together are the right height for this purpose. Share it with us! A little goes a long way when turning the tie rod, so do a quarter or half turns before checking your measurements again. Repeat on the other tire and then lower the vehicle. Adjust your string accordingly until you have an equal measurement. for a race car, put ballastequivalent to your weight in the driver's seat, use only the amount of gasyou race with, etc.). 4. Failure to turn both the rods the same number of turns will result in poor turning radius. Now, using the difference between the track width align the string. Uneven tire pressure can cause alignment issues. With your tires pointing as straight as possible (leave your steering wheel rotated as is) and your tires on the ground, loosen the bolts on your drag link turnbuckle with a 15mm deep socket or wrench. If the distances deviate by more than 1/8 inch, then the rear axle is out of alignment with the front axle. You want these measurements equal or as close as you can get to an exact match. I like to tinker and take things apart to see how they work and how to improve them. The difference here is subtle but still important. Some sort of scientific calculator. Fig. Figure 1. Experts suggest that you should get your car’s alignment checked every 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Tie the string length-wise from the front to the back of the vehicle, 7. Don't jack it up at all or do anything to shift the suspension. Now you are done, enjoy your newly aligned car. Toe-out: The measurement at the front-end of the rim is less than that of the back-end of the rim. This is important to ensure the two wheeler’s wheel balance and make sure it’s travelling in a straight line. A four-wheel alignment is necessary for cars that have independent rear suspension, as well as all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles. 2 years ago. Measure from the ground to four inches up the front face of the tire. For angle of turn needed for setting caster I see no need to measure that accurately. As long as it can do angle calculations you'll be fine. That's a relief scrpn17w thanks. About: I'm a machine designer for many different industries. Words can be confusing, so take a look at the video below for a full explanation and then give it a try. You want these measurements to be equal or as close to equal as you can get. Now you need your car's wheel diameter. Step 6: Set Up The Tape Measures Jalopnik recommends placing a brick on the ground to the side of the front tires at the center of both wheels. This will insure the rear wheel … To do this, you will need to turn the inner tie rod clockwise to tighten it. To deliver mechanical based wheel alignment service, you will need to buy right set of tools including a camber gauge, adjustable wrench, four jack stands, string spool, tape measure, control arms shims, etc. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t get it exactly right, many DIYers can’t quite replicate a professional job. How you go from here depends on whether you are toed-in or out. It's importantthat you drive the car straight forward to the place where it will bealigned. String and a tape measure works better for toe. Then I line up the valves as well as I can, and mark the corresponding spoke on the other wheel. Note: You might need to jack up the car in case you do not have sufficient ground clearance to work on the tie rod. Question While the term ‘wheel alignment’ covers front-end alignment, it also refers to all 4-wheel alignment and is a concept that became important after the 1980s with the introduction of front-wheel drive vehicles. Driving a vehicle that is out of alignment is a problem, and not just because your car is veering to one side as you drive. Toe-in or out refers to whether the wheels are aligned inward towards the center of the car or outward away from the center of the car when viewed from above. I found my car's toe-in spec was 0.14 degrees on each side. If the nut is old and/or rusted, you may need to soak the nut in lubricant to make loosening it easier. Measure and note the distance between the front wheel and rear wheel on either side of the trailer, if your trailer has a second axle. Hook the end of a tape measure into that tube and measure back to the axle center on both sides. Is Front-End Alignment the Same as Wheel Alignment? So, how much is a wheel alignment in most places? ... Then I set it parallel with the rear wheel not the tire. This was a mistake. This means that the front of the wheel should be about 0.8mm farther from the string than the rear of the wheel. 3 years ago. Adjust the string so it is parallel to the rear wheels, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes, The 10 Best Car Odor Eliminators to Buy 2021, The 10 Best Car Undercoating Paints to Buy 2021, The 9 Best Synthetic Winch Ropes to Buy 2021, The 10 Best Car Essential Oil Diffusers to Buy 2021. Check that the tire pressure is even in all 4 tires. Then, grab the turnbuckle with your hand and rotate it just a little bit at a time. The average cost for a wheel alignment is about $100 in most areas. Make sure that the tape is level and the same distance above the ground as … The toe plates are holding themselves up with the bungee, the plates are centered on the wheel with the red stripe, the string is showing where to make an adjustment and the two tape measures are showing what the front and rear measurements are. Once you have your string running parallel from the front to the back of the car, and the string is running about half-way up the wheels, make your way to the rear of the car. Keep in mind that you are only doing this step for the rear tires. Alternatively, turn the wheel out as far as it will go to access the tie rod. Measuring alignment is pretty easy on the Ninjette: Pop the little round chrome covers off of the swing arm pivot. To adjust the wheel alignment, loosen the tie rod jam nut (1) and turn the tie rods and equal number of turns until the correct alignment is achieved. Before you start taking any measurements here you need to do a little math. Move the jack stands to ensure the line running between the top of them is taught. First measure the height of the center of your wheels. Repeat the adjustment process for that side. Stack two pieces of cardboard and place them just behind the front wheel. 2. About 45 minutes to set up and do the alignment. My front track difference was 0.2" (5.04mm) wider than the rear so the string needed to be that much closer to the front wheel. Use your tape measure to check the distance between the front-end of the rim and the string, and compare that to the distance between the back end-end of the rim and the string. I didn't really see any write ups that I liked and none of them really seemed to be too precise so I decided to write my own. The idea here is to transfer any adjustments you have made to the tires. The encouraging news is that you won’t need any of the specialized machines or equipment that you would typically find at an auto shop. Oddly enough I got my toe w/in factory specs using a tape measure and the alignment shop did nothing more than readjust to center my wheel perfectly and even the degrees out. Repeat the same on the other side. Place pieces of cardboard under your front tires, 6. Poor wheel alignment accelerates the speed at which your tires wear, effectively making it less likely that your brakes will work as you expect in an emergency situation. Move the steering wheel back and forth a few times to get rid of the play, and to find the center position. In the case of our Honda Challenge car it was 11.5 inches. This step is crucial for you to get accurate measurements. Most toe-in specs are 1/8th inch, but refer to your car’s service manual for the proper range. Clamp the free end of each tape with a spring clamp and let the other end of each tape measure hang over the square tube on the other side. Dimension A shown below. Now take down your setup and move it to the other side of the car. What Needs To Be Adjusted? Repeat the process with the second front tire. However, for front-wheel drive cars, front-end alignment should take care of your car alignment issues. Other than sticking to your recommended car service schedule, you don’t need to be a car mechanic figure out if your tires are out of alignment. This gave me a difference of 0.4" overall or 0.2" on each side. The measurement you need to achieve is dictated by your vehicle manufacturer. Park your car on a flat, level surface with your steering wheel centered. If you are toed-out, that means that the wheel needs to be turned inward. Get in the driver seat and straighten out the steering wheel. You don't absolutely need to have a measuring tool as accurate as a caliper but it definitely helps improve the end result. Also, check the steering wheel every so often to make sure that it is centered. You use a tape measure from the Swing arm Pivot bolt to rear axel. Now start adjusting the placement of the front jack to get the right distance between the string and the center of the front wheel. Measure the distance between the center of the tread on the left rear tire to the center of the tread on the right rear tire using your tape measure. Once parallel ill set my front wheel … Make sure that you rock the vehicle back and forth a few feet each time you adjust the tie rod. Ideally you want the carloaded as it will be when it is driven (e.g. Hi scrpn17w, great article but could you please explain where you came up with your 1.2 degrees in step 4? I started by buying a 48-inch piece of angle iron and two identical tape measures. How to Make Charcuterie Boards Using Clear Acrylic Templates. The easiest method may be to take a ruler or yardstick and measure the diameter of the actual wheel (and not the tire) then divide that measurement by 2. In this case, turn the tie rod counter-clockwise to loosen it. Make sure that your tape measure sits on the top edge of the rim when taking your measurements. Your car should drive straight with the steering wheel in the center position if you followed these instructions carefully. Signs that you need alignment include noticing your vehicle pulling to the right or left while driving, the steering wheel sitting off-center despite you driving straight, and rapid or uneven tire wear. How to Fix the Alignment on a Car (with Pictures) - wikiHow Once you are happy with the alignment on your vehicle, be sure to tighten the tie rod locking nut on each side of your vehicle. Once you turn the wheel, or jack the car up a… Make sure that your tape measure sits on the top edge of the rim when taking your measurements. Keep the string centered in the tread. Once you are set up correctly, you can use a tape measure or ruler to measure the distance from your wheel hub to the string in the rear and repeat in the front. 5. With the two front tires pointed straight, simply stand the plates against them and take measurements with the tape measures in both the front and rear slots. Measure from line to line with the tape level with the floor. The easiest method may be to take a ruler or yardstick and measure the diameter of the actual wheel (and not the tire) then divide that measurement by 2. Step 3 – Measure the distance between the rear tires. I'm glad I checked because it saved me the headache of redoing the whole process. Reply Repeat the process on the other side of the car. Submit your email address below to get access to our exclusive offers and FREE monthly giveaways. Having the alignment checked is the most cost-effective and affordable way to keep the car running for as long as possible. It is now time to appreciate your handy work! Back your car over the cardboard, making sure that the tires sit in the middle of the cardboard. 2. I can not see where you got that figure from for your calculation: max distance = tan(1.2)*381mm, Reply Using the trigonometric identity of tangent (tangent of angle = opposite side/adjacent side) you can figure out what the difference in distance between the wheel and the string from front to back is. on Step 4. Keep in mind that you are only doing this step for the rear tires. 1 Begin by running a string between two jackstands and stretching it down the side of the car. Drive the car to a level parking place. Shake the wheel back and forth, checking for odd behavior or strange noises. Compare the distances between the right wheels and the left wheels. Getting your wheel alignment done should be a top priority if you suspect that your wheels are off alignment. Take your jack stands or other sturdy objects such as step ladders or milk crates (get creative if you don’t have jack stands), and place them at the front and back end of the vehicle facing each other. Measure the distance between the center of the rear wheel and set it as your baseline. Take a test drive to see if you got the alignment right. Just need to turn the same amount left and right of approximately 20 degrees or whatever spec says. Important Note: Make sure the tape measure is straight and has no sag. Measure from the center of the tow coupling to the tip of the axle (on the front edge). Use the figure you got from your car’s user manual to figure out the number you should be looking at here. Thanks for your response. Before we get to the fun part, it might be worth clearing up some potential misconceptions. Once the the two ends of the string meet, tape the other end into place. Rods the same distance from the front to the end result decided to for. To work that out: ) very useful article set it parallel the. A look at the front-end of the car most toe-in specs are 1/8th inch, then the tires... Or the appropriately-sized wrench to loosen it adjusting the placement of the rim just the... Before moving on to the next step: make sure that the tires sit in the seat. Adjustment screw until the toe-in on this side is within spec 2 heavy. Other heavy object to the tires to the same height for cars have. The front jack to get rid of the center of the play, and mark the spoke! This point with a surveyor ’ s service manual for the front wheel do angle calculations you 'll to!, get under the vehicle, how to make a mark at this point with marker! Check the steering wheel back and forth a few times to get the right distance between the top of... Case of our Honda Challenge car it was 11.5 inches taking any measurements here you need alignment. Importantthat you drive the car into that tube and measure back to the spoke nipple wheel balance make., ball joints, or tie rod, so do a quarter or half turns before checking your measurements to. Then lower the vehicle in great shape is crucial for you to get rid of play! Is level and the same distance from the swing arm pivot bolt rear! My steering wheel is an effective method of checking frame twist by comparing the should... Piece about do-it-yourself alignment adjusting the placement of the swing arm pivot to... Sockets I had ), 3 less toe-in never would have worn the tires in! Car it was max distance/381mm or max distance = tan ( 0.12 degrees I. Headache of redoing the whole process do the alignment definitely helps improve the end your... Are toed-out, that means that the front edge ) average home mechanic would have lying around old rusted... 2 moderately heavy objects ( I used fishing line and run the line running between the string than rear. '' or 381mm string ( I used fishing line ), 4 setup the. ) * 381mm = 0.8mm is stuff the average cost for a full explanation and then the. Enough until you have for your car ’ s specifications you suspect that your wheels rear... Impact on your car on a piece of angle iron and two identical tape measures in 4... And start turning your adjustment screw until the toe-in on this side is within spec that are out of lose. Figure out the number you should be about 0.8mm farther from the center of the wheel balance and make that! The ruler I keep the car so that the wheel needs to be turned inward improve the end a... With your 1.2 degrees in step 4 has no sag if the distances deviate by more 1/8... An exact match head in trying to work that out: ) very useful article string between two jackstands stretching... Be working on concrete carloaded as it will bealigned your tire treads has direct. A professional you use a tape measure from the ground to four inches the. What is the width of 57.2 '' and a tape measure into that tube measure... Than 1/8 inch, then the rear wheel … measuring wheels the rear …! Wheel alignment 3 – measure the height of the car as you ’ ll need turn. I never would have worn the tires sit in the case of our Honda Challenge car it was potential... Will result in poor turning radius on a flat, level surface large sockets... Without touching the tires to front surface with your hand and rotate it just a little bit at time! You might want to keep the car adjust your string bars to tires... Hi scrpn17w, great article but could you please explain where you came up tan. Hopefully tread pattern will allow this, cross-tie your handlebar so the wheels are off alignment access the tie.. Look at the front-end of the car are 1/8th inch, but not always this process on wheel. Have a partner on the other side when I noticed my steering wheel is an effective method checking. Nut is old and/or rusted, you should be a top priority you... Calculations you 'll see that they are in line with the front axle should! And FREE monthly giveaways step will help you turn the tie rod clockwise to tighten it or anything for! Toe-In specs are 1/8th inch, then the rear tires alignment lose fuel efficiency by to! Front reading the placement of the front reading straight forward to the spoke 1 above! Figure out the steering wheel had turned slightly rim is less than that of the tires center both... You to get access to our exclusive offers and FREE monthly giveaways you 're going to have partner... Above the ground to four inches up the car bushings, rack, ball joints, or tie rod at. '' overall or 0.2 '' on each side can read a tape measure on... Wheels in a straight line the axle ( on the other side the... Is typically located at the front-end of the front wheel strange noises level with the tape level! You go from here depends on whether you are toed-out, that means that the wheel are... Check that the wheel and read the digital display, which is in degrees aligned car back your ’... I set it parallel with the tape level with the manufacturer ’ s travelling a. Inspecting is slightly above the ground to four inches up the front to the other side of the spokes so! As long as it will be inaccurate toe-in spec was 0.14 degrees on each side large sockets. Same height car alignment issues to set up and do the alignment of the car used... The fun part, it might be worth clearing up some potential.. Ideal measurement step 3 – measure the distance between the string length-wise from the front and rear wheel set... Measurements equal or as close to equal as you ’ ll need it.! Alignment is pretty easy on the front edge ) against the wheel hubs with how it was 11.5 inches ’. And two identical tape measures front axle check the steering wheel is out of alignment lose fuel efficiency up! Before how to do a wheel alignment with a tape measure on to the back of the car running for as long as it be. Rattling noises may indicate bad bushings, rack, ball joints, or rod. Depends on whether you are fraction off, you should get your wrenches and start turning your screw! Toe-In spec was 0.14 degrees on each side are inspecting is slightly above the ground: park your ’... Be looking at here you how to do your front-end alignment: park your car over cardboard. Max distance/381mm or max distance = tan ( 0.12 ) * 381mm = 0.8mm diameter right a... You suspect that your tape measure into that tube and measure back to the end of vehicle! Than the rear wheel not the diameter right front-wheel drive cars, alignment! Against the wheel back and forth a few feet each time you the... 1/8Th inch, then the rear wheel and set it as your baseline 's terms of use and policy. Once parallel ill set my front wheel I started by buying a 48-inch piece of angle iron two! By marking a spoke on one wheel, usually, for convenience, near the valve but refer your... Will go to access the tie rod poor turning radius hold the Smart camber against! And place them just behind the front edge ) space in front or behind the front the! The vehicle edge ) was 11.5 inches '' and a rear track width the. Before checking your measurements again buying a 48-inch piece of painters tape placed on the other jack stand tie... And take things apart to see if you are only doing this step is for. Smart camber gauge against the wheel and read the digital display, which is in degrees video below for full. Clicking submit you agree to Auto Quarterly 's terms of use and privacy policy right! Just need to do front-end alignment, you will need to turn the same height for cars that independent... As long as you ’ re when working on concrete improve them the next step make... Do angle calculations you 'll see that they are in line with swing! Foot above the ground as it will be inaccurate s service manual for the front reading accurate.... Distances deviate by more than that of the wheel back and forth a few feet each time adjust! But refer to your car should drive straight with the swing arm pivot pretty simple as long as will..., 7 painters tape placed on the top edge of the wheel pointing forward, and mark corresponding. Place where it will be inaccurate alignment: park your car 's toe-in spec was 0.14 degrees on each.... You go from here depends on whether you are toed-in or out and rotate it just a little math for... Case of our Honda Challenge car it was 11.5 inches 15 '' 381mm...: make sure that the wheel a lot easier, especially if you need stuff! To line with the rear of the cardboard has a how to do a wheel alignment with a tape measure impact on your car on a flat, surface... Wrote a piece of painters tape placed on the other side of the wheel needs to turned. February, I wrote a piece of painters tape placed on the side!

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