Tracking tools?

[finyuk2005]

Im sick of waiting months to get a garage to do a crappy job of tracking the van,
So are there any cheapish tools that are able to do the job at home?

I was looking at these;

AS-LWA40 - Automotech Services Limited

The AS-LWA40 Wheel alignment / tracking gauges measure the angle between the vehicle wheels to give toe-in / toe-out reading. It can be used on most cars and light commercials. The Unit is easily calibrated and very simple to use and can also be used on 4 post vehicle lifts. Precision Laser To...

automotechservices.co.uk

and

AS-TU40 - Automotech Services Limited

The Automotech AS-TU40 fully ball-raced, cast aluminium turn plates will not bend or buckle under load. They can be used with the provided on-floor mounting kit or alternatively they can be used in the recesses of a wheel alignment vehicle lift. Features: Fully ball-raced cast aluminium...

automotechservices.co.uk

but are the simple toe plates like these good enough?

Pardon our interruption...

cheers!!

 

[zzr1200]

Are the simple toe plates like these good enough?

Pardon our interruption...

cheers!!

Yep, but you've got to know what your doing and how to centralised the steering box/rack...

 

[Haz87]

A ball of string and some jackstands are all you need. Oh, and some patience

Edit:
Link (one of thousands - theres definitely better out there) to make this less cryptic: http://speed.academy/diy-wheel-alignment-how-to-guide-explained/2/

 

[OJCar]

I have two bits of dexion that have been modified to be toe plates from when I was into Minis and Minors.
Now on the Land Rovers I use a simple tracking gauge like

 

[MetalMonkey]

A ball of string and some jackstands are all you need. Oh, and some patience

Edit:
Link (one of thousands - theres definitely better out there) to make this less cryptic: http://speed.academy/diy-wheel-alignment-how-to-guide-explained/2/

This - string line is the cheapest way to DIY a four wheel alignment, and is still a preferred method for many for track day setup.

You can use the dunlop style optical gauges (or the modern laser equivalents) but you need a fairly level flat surface
Or there are supertracker style that hang over the wheels, but these start getting expensive.

With all these methods the most difficult part of the job is getting under the vehicle without disturbing anything and getting the adjustments freed off.

 

[JohnH]

I like my Gunson Trackrite, drive over gauge.

Like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18201639...CLD96Sjz+3zckn7eZ/WJufiw==|tkp:Bk9SR_i84c2tZg

 

[atomant48]

You can get close with a mark on each tyre in the middle of the tread at the front, measure then roll forward half a turn and measure at the back. As long as you’ve got access for a clear measure. Can’t do camber like this though.

 

[harveyp6]

I like my Gunson Trackrite, drive over gauge.

Like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182016390664?_skw=car+tracking+tool&itmmeta=01K5PDRBSP2HB6J5BS7YKNXH1N&hash=item2a6105b608:g:qSAAAOSwjTlZgwUv&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cwOx65p2y6aB6+lhwhZozw1uhWI5Q52NUYXZnEROqGMISxqqCIPTL8Bgeljfml+P22XGYHUvCCxVSorwMEnKaulbIBqiJoGdMljvaKfVLrJToIU0E3JsVxjktVpGuzKFPiDP6zuGn/c2KERqiyiTcOzJfxHbxsCFHyKxBUxa6kHdt/H+BktFa/in5dBYZUF07k8JAmQSedZ5/T1xOE2ZXWL9Ss3OEYkeuekTH+otZgooER/8C86ErmAy8eUXTFUjobdxK9WFlgl0nP1eJXrrCLD96Sjz+3zckn7eZ/WJufiw==|tkp:Bk9SR_i84c2tZg

I worked in a garage for four years and when I went there they didn't have any guages, or much money to spend on a set, so after reading reviews in magazines we went for these, and I never had a car come back with worn tyres due to incorrect FWA. They do need a nice level floor though.
Now I have a set of Dunlop guages.

 

[zzr1200]

If you are really careful and have a flat floor you can use one of these and a tape measure:-

Google Search

or

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swanson-Tool-PB008B-Plumb-Brass/dp/B000IOCO3E/ref=asc_df_B000IOCO3E?mcid=e5a4a25d8e8e3f2b8fbce0910d84c42e&th=1&psc=1&hvocijid=9798190262265616803-B000IOCO3E-&hvexpln=74&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9798190262265616803&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9189972&hvtargid=pla-2281435177178&psc=1&gad_source=1

 

[finyuk2005]

certainly plenty of food for thought!
I was wondering about making a set of stands so i can lift the cars up with my scissor lift and set it on the stands so i can do the adjusting from underneath easier,
Im guessing the weight needs to be on it while you take the readings?

 

[Cobbler]

I like my Gunson Trackrite, drive over gauge.

Like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182016390664?_skw=car+tracking+tool&itmmeta=01K5PDRBSP2HB6J5BS7YKNXH1N&hash=item2a6105b608:g:qSAAAOSwjTlZgwUv&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cwOx65p2y6aB6+lhwhZozw1uhWI5Q52NUYXZnEROqGMISxqqCIPTL8Bgeljfml+P22XGYHUvCCxVSorwMEnKaulbIBqiJoGdMljvaKfVLrJToIU0E3JsVxjktVpGuzKFPiDP6zuGn/c2KERqiyiTcOzJfxHbxsCFHyKxBUxa6kHdt/H+BktFa/in5dBYZUF07k8JAmQSedZ5/T1xOE2ZXWL9Ss3OEYkeuekTH+otZgooER/8C86ErmAy8eUXTFUjobdxK9WFlgl0nP1eJXrrCLD96Sjz+3zckn7eZ/WJufiw==|tkp:Bk9SR_i84c2tZg

I’ve got one, works great & it’s simple, can’t go wrong. The principle goes way back, a friend has a roll over Dunlop plate that came from a bankrupt garage years ago, it doesn’t look high tech enough to be used today, got to have the laser whatever, but realistically the tracking measurements are quite tolerant in the manuals.

 

[roofman]

jack front up, set the steering wheel to centre, string right around the 4 wheels and tied at the back with a bunjee to keep tension, run the string through middle of back wheels and same on front and adjust via adusting nuts on track rods so string touches front and rear edges of front wheels to match rears...that should pretty much put you in the ball park with regards to the 4 wheels pointing the same way. Basic i know but take your time and it will stop the car pulling left or right..camber,castor and whatever is involved in the dark science can come later but for now the car is driving straight.

 

[MetalMonkey]

certainly plenty of food for thought!
I was wondering about making a set of stands so i can lift the cars up with my scissor lift and set it on the stands so i can do the adjusting from underneath easier,
Im guessing the weight needs to be on it while you take the readings?

Yes you need the weight on for alignment. With a scissor lift you can use stands like these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113750194430

I'd suggest you could build them just a little cheaper...
Or some cribbing or blocks.

You can also get hub stands, which is another option

https://www.vmep-ltd.co.uk/hubstands

 

[MetalMonkey]

jack front up, set the steering wheel to centre, string right around the 4 wheels and tied at the back with a bunjee to keep tension, run the string through middle of back wheels and same on front and adjust via adusting nuts on track rods so string touches front and rear edges of front wheels to match rears...that should pretty much put you in the ball park with regards to the 4 wheels pointing the same way. Basic i know but take your time and it will stop the car pulling left or right..camber,castor and whatever is involved in the dark science can come later but for now the car is driving straight.

Its worth keeping in mind that often track width is different between front and rear axles.

Hence the best way is to set up a string "box" using axle stands or similar and then measure to the rim of each wheel.

That way you can account for different track widths and get an accurate measurement.
Done this way it is possible to get very accurate results, certainly good enough to match the average garage IME.

 

[zzr1200]

certainly plenty of food for thought!
I was wondering about making a set of stands so i can lift the cars up with my scissor lift and set it on the stands so i can do the adjusting from underneath easier,
Im guessing the weight needs to be on it while you take the readings?

Also remember that the suspension needs to be settled, not always possible depending on the design of the suspension, without rolling forward or backward.
Certainly easier with beam style axles.

 

[bricol]

Its worth keeping in mind that often track width is different between front and rear axles.

Hence the best way is to set up a string "box" using axle stands or similar and then measure to the rim of each wheel.

That way you can account for different track widths and get an accurate measurement.
Done this way it is possible to get very accurate results, certainly good enough to match the average garage IME.

You beat me to it!

And even with equal track, having no toe at the rear, if it's adjustable, has real good chance of turning your benign, just goes around a corner, into a machine trying to kill you every single bend. Rear toe really does make a big difference to how a car handles.

 

[bricol]

I've used Dunlop guages, various others of similar idea, but currently use a Track-Ace Laser tracking guage - works well. Needs a flat surface, as all of them do really. My garage floor isn't flat, so the nice level new car park at work is my go to location

 

[Turbo]

I like my Gunson Trackrite, drive over gauge.

Like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182016390664?_skw=car+tracking+tool&itmmeta=01K5PDRBSP2HB6J5BS7YKNXH1N&hash=item2a6105b608:g:qSAAAOSwjTlZgwUv&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cwOx65p2y6aB6+lhwhZozw1uhWI5Q52NUYXZnEROqGMISxqqCIPTL8Bgeljfml+P22XGYHUvCCxVSorwMEnKaulbIBqiJoGdMljvaKfVLrJToIU0E3JsVxjktVpGuzKFPiDP6zuGn/c2KERqiyiTcOzJfxHbxsCFHyKxBUxa6kHdt/H+BktFa/in5dBYZUF07k8JAmQSedZ5/T1xOE2ZXWL9Ss3OEYkeuekTH+otZgooER/8C86ErmAy8eUXTFUjobdxK9WFlgl0nP1eJXrrCLD96Sjz+3zckn7eZ/WJufiw==|tkp:Bk9SR_i84c2tZg

Bought one of these years ago when I was competing in motorsport.
Brilliantly simple tool that is very accurate.
I have also used on road cars that were set up in a garage using '4 wheel laser alignment' but were still pulling the steering. The trakrite never failed to get them sorted.

 

[Turbo]

Its worth keeping in mind that often track width is different between front and rear axles.

Hence the best way is to set up a string "box" using axle stands or similar and then measure to the rim of each wheel.

That way you can account for different track widths and get an accurate measurement.
Done this way it is possible to get very accurate results, certainly good enough to match the average garage IME.

In the high tech world of the BTTC, the pinnacle of the UK motorsport scene, they still use a string box to set the cars up in the pit garages!

 

[indy4x]

I got a set of Dunlop optical gauges off FB Marketplace for £40. All there, just needed a bit of tidying

Unfortunately they weren't the real old ones with chrome plated sight tube and cast feet but a later one with plastic sight tube and plastic feet, still works fine though