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Front wheel alignment - Worcestershire area
Charlie C - 5/7/19 at 08:48 AM

Can anyone recommend somewhere I can get the front wheel toe measured and adjusted in the Worcestershire area. Because the arches are close to the wheels all the local tyre fitters cant get their alignment tools to hang over the top of the wheel.

I’ve been calling Matt at Procomp, I guess he’s really busy with the race season in full swing.

[Edited on 5/7/19 by Charlie C]

rusty nuts - 5/7/19 at 09:11 AM

I’ve done it in the past just using 2 lengths of straight wood with a couple of blocks to raise them up at each end then measure across the car in front and behind the wheels. Adjust and repeat until correct , when checked using laser 4 wheel alignment kit it was spot on . Guns on Trakrite is supposed to be accurate but I’ve never used one , probably cheaper to buy one than pay a tyre fitter that doesn’t know what he is doing? Alternatively find an old garage that has the Dunlop optical gauges

907 - 5/7/19 at 09:40 AM

I have my own home made device. Three bits of box, M10 stud, and a £10 digi vernier from Aldi.

I trust it more than some of the cowboys in tyre fitting establishments.

I'll get it powder coated one day and make it look professional.


Paul G

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Edit to add:- There's a deluxe version using a Moore & Wright


[Edited on 5/7/19 by 907]

Charlie C - 5/7/19 at 09:45 AM

Good idea I like it!

I might give that ago at the weekend.

907 - 5/7/19 at 09:53 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Charlie C
Good idea I like it!

I might give that ago at the weekend.




It helps to have a helper holding the stud side, and if you have smart wheels put a bit of PVC tape on the rim so as not to scratch.

Mr Whippy - 5/7/19 at 11:26 AM

quote:
Originally posted by rusty nuts
I’ve done it in the past just using 2 lengths of straight wood with a couple of blocks to raise them up at each end then measure across the car in front and behind the wheels. Adjust and repeat until correct , when checked using laser 4 wheel alignment kit it was spot on . Guns on Trakrite is supposed to be accurate but I’ve never used one , probably cheaper to buy one than pay a tyre fitter that doesn’t know what he is doing? Alternatively find an old garage that has the Dunlop optical gauges


I used thread super glued to the front rim and the back rim, when all four points of the rims touched the thread it was set at zero caster, a simple calc then gave me how much to leave a gap at the rear of the front rim for toe out or put a thin (I use balsa) spacer on the front to get the toe in.

Remarkably accurate and costs nothing.

907 - 5/7/19 at 03:26 PM

quote:- "when all four points of the rims touched the thread it was set at zero caster,"



Mmmmmm, you need a re-think on that one.

I take it that you don't mean "caster"


Lining the front wheel up with the back would only work if the rear track width was EXACTLY the same as the front.
Often cars, particularly 7's are not. (if that's what you mean)


Paul G

ianhurley20 - 6/7/19 at 07:51 AM

I have a Gunson Trackrite which has done mine with surprising accuracy - only cost about £40 some years ago, hardest thing is finding a flat, level surface to do it on, garage with a bit of room would be fine, mine was too small though.

Charlie C - 8/7/19 at 09:44 AM

quote:
Originally posted by 907
I have my own home made device. Three bits of box, M10 stud, and a £10 digi vernier from Aldi.

I trust it more than some of the cowboys in tyre fitting establishments.

I'll get it powder coated one day and make it look professional.


Paul G

Description
Description


Description
Description


Edit to add:- There's a deluxe version using a Moore & Wright


[Edited on 5/7/19 by 907]


I made one of these out of 50x25mm box section i had hanging around it works really well, the only change i made was to the vernier mount i welded a nut on the upright so i can use a bolt finger tight to hold the vernier in place. Its not perfect but it did show a 22.38m difference between front and rear wheel rim distance (front axle).


[Edited on 8/7/19 by Charlie C]

[Edited on 8/7/19 by Charlie C]