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June 13, 2003
As there was a thread recently regarding front end alignment,
beginning with message 22461, I have posted a couple of photos of a
simple apparatus that I used this week to estimate and rough-in the
toe in on my Sprite this week, in case it might be useful.
The apparatus comprises a 48" construction ruler, and a pair of
18" x 24" L squares. The short legs of the L squares are clamped to
the opposite ends of the ruler, such that the long legs extend
outwardly from the ruler and parallel to each other, such edges
being separated by the width of the front track of the vehicle. The
entire assembly is supported by suitable means such as stools, wood
blocks, etc. so that the inner edges of the L squares are in light
touching contact with the forward sidewalls of the front tires, and
so that the assembly is raised from the floor at the height of the
wheel center.
In preparation, the assembly is adjusted to make the respective
opposite ends of the ruler equidistant from the forwardmost edges of
the front tires, so that the assembly is square with the vehicle.
The tires should of course also be square with the vehicle, and
several measurement iterations may be needed to converge on this
situation.
Measurements are then made of the gaps between the forward and
rearward edges of each wheel, and the respective edges of the
proximate L squares. Since the pair of edges are parallel, an
estimate of toe-in can be made. The best tool for such measurement
of gaps may vary with the particular wheel and tire setup. I used an
inexpensive caliper. Futher details on the method and apparatus will
be apparant with reference to the photos.
In a set of three measurements, I recorded 0.076", 0.084", and
0.085", which I think is suitable for road testing and for a drive to
an alignment shop. With good quality squares and ruler, I would
estimate the technique to be accurate +/- 0.020. I have access to a
surface plate, and with a cursory check of my tools, I think that any
error from out of square or non-linear edges thereof was negligible.
Your results may vary.
I'll be interested to see what the alignment shop measures
compared to my results.
Chow.
Hamondale
"hamondale" < hamondale@... > 22617
Posted on June 13, 2003 02:05 AM
Posted to category(s) Body
| Braking System
| Drive Train
| Electrical System
| Exterior
| Miscellaneous
| Suspension & Steering
| Technical Info
| Wheels
