10 replies to this topic

[Laska]

Hi - I’ve just replaced all the suspension components, bushes, track rod ends and wheel bearings on my car. I have tried to get the tracking geometry as close as I can using string and various set ups but decided to get a local garage to set the car up properly at its MOT. The response surprised me - none of the cutting edge systems they had were able to fit on the car’s 12in wheels. They said they couldn’t do it and that no modern equipped garage would be able to do so either without me manufacturing some plates to fit on to the car’s wheels. Really? Surely getting the tracking set up accurately is possible without the use of just string and rulers…..how do you other U.K. owners get your car’s tracking set up?

[Rubbershorts]

I had mine done quite recently and the equipment didn't quite adjust down to 12 inch wheels. He said he could still do it but I did think whilst I was watching that there must have been a degree of inaccuracy because of this. To be fair he's a top bloke, and he'd done us a favour fitting us is, so I just went with it. Seems okay. It does make me wonder how much it can be out and still be okay.

[imack]

You probably need to find someone who has old school Dunlop tracking/camber and castor gauges and knows how to use them.
None of the modern equipment I've used will fit my 10" wheels, doubt it would have fitted 12" either.
13" upwards only.

[alpder]

Endless threads on this. Most resort to string-and-ruler, because it's so hard to find a commercial garage old-school enough to know that whatever "the computer" might be telling them, it's never going to be the whole story.

 

Here was my 'contribution' to this never-ending topic of discussion... https://www.theminif...od-3d-printing/

 

Before tracking, you probably want to check caster? I did this which seemed to work out well but maybe I was just lucky... https://www.theminif...ngle/?hl=caster

 

 

Edited by alpder, 05 November 2024 - 09:15 PM.

[Chris1275gt]

Get yourself a roll of string and follow this
https://www.calverst...-set-up-method/
If it’s all basic with no adjustable arms etc you won’t be a million miles away. Mine has been absolutely fine with this method for 6 years.

[68+86auto]

Most aligners can still do 12" wheels. 10s are the real issue. Try a few places and you should find someone who can do it. I wouldn't try tyre stores, they would usually have the newest equipment and also the worst operators.

 

The smallest "Garage" you can find with an alignment machine is probably the one you want. They are probably the ones with the oldest (or old enough) machine and also an operator that at least knows what a bolt is.

Edited by 68+86auto, 06 November 2024 - 01:11 AM.

[Steam]

Gunson Trakrite.

Edited by Steam, 06 November 2024 - 05:19 AM.

[Spider]

I've got a machine for sale, from memory, it'll go down to 9" wheels. It's an old FMC.

[mbolt998]

I did it like this. It's now 3000 miles later and tyre wear is looking nice and even so I think it worked!

 

 

https://www.theminif...and-a-computer/

[Laska]

Thank you to all that have responded. I appreciate all the help and advice!

[Kevybmini]

I ended taking mine to a 3d laser wheel alignment place, you wouldn’t believe how far out the front setup was.