front end alignment

41V · 03-02-2003, 07:29 AM

Which tools/equipment are required for a do-it-yourself wheel alignment?

I found these available, anybody have real experience with this or any others?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42496

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=30167

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=45742

I want to do it myself since a shop may align the front wheels perfect, but then don't care that the steering wheel ends up slanted, f'n hate that, I want *all 3* wheels aligned. I'd rather spend half day doing it myself and getting it right than driving to a shop and waiting around for hours or dropping off and picking up just get it back and have the steering wheel crooked.

I'll be aligning to stock specs.

thanks

Roger Hall · 03-02-2003, 09:25 AM

I have never done my own alignment. For the money I would take it to a shop. If the steering wheel is not straight then adjust the steering wheel. Its easy to pull the wheel and set it straight. It only takes 5 mins. However if something on the steering rack is out of adjustment you should fix that first.

944s2cab · 03-04-2003, 06:33 PM

I recently replaced the whole front end and have not gotten an alignment yet. I'm on the fence on this one. I used string to indicate existing toe-in/out. I will tell you what I found...I marked the threads where the lock nut (which tightens against the tie rod ends) stopped and put back together the steering pieces on that basis. When I drove it, the front end was definitely "squirley". It pulled a little but roamed as if the the front wheels were fighting each other. It was quite noticable so I loosened the lock nut and screwed in the tie rod end just 2 turns closer. I could visibly see where the adjustment affected the wheels and they appeared straighter. I drove it and it changed alright...but not better! ...still all over the road and not right. Well, I undid one of those two turns and tried it again. To my astonishment, it was close to perfect. There's an ever so slight pull but it drives better than it ever had. I was shocked at how much just one thread's worth of adjustment can make such a difference. The camber is another story. I can see where the wheels are off standing above the wheels and looking down. And, the adjustment is no picnic because of the location of the cam and bolts. For me to decide on doing it myself, I'd not only have to have the tools but also some knowledge or clear instructions. Anyone have a document?

ae1969 · 03-04-2003, 07:04 PM

Ok guys....

I am not going to waste $1000 on rubber to align it myself....

Sure there are a few ways to get it close.....but you will not be able to get exactly where you want it.

To have my tires wear out quicker because of trying to save a few bucks on a proper alignment is not worth it.

If you are doing it because of sheer curiosity be my guest. I just don't see it as one of those do-it yourself projects that saves you money...

IMO

Mark_944S2 · 03-04-2003, 08:15 PM

Look at it this way, a 4 wheel alignment just cost me $70 for my camry. 4 tyres for that car cost $400. So the 4 wheel alignment only has to increase the tyre life by about 15% to pay for itself. Tyres for an S2 cost much more than that so it's even more economic. The other members are right, you've done a basic adjustment which makes it safe to drive to an alignment place, so now let the experts do the right job with proper equipment. They'll do the whole car in about an hour - I'd recommend Wheel Works if you have one nearby.

Mark