Tracking tools?

[JohnH]

jack front up, set the steering wheel to centre,

I would add to that and make sure the steering box or rack was centralised first, and if not, take off the steering wheel and reset it.

 

[GSR]

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!

Definitely string lines for simplicity and repeatability. I’ve had Dunlop optical and supertracker laser but always went back to string lines.
For years I used a couple of lengths of conduit and axle stands but recently upgraded https://www.tegiwa.com/products/ti-...MI06TZ9tnvjwMV9dBEBx073zmiEAQYASABEgLvv_D_BwE

 

[Ubique]

However you do it, you need to make sure the rear toe alignment (and therefore thrust angle) is correct before doing anything with the front.
Camber also changes with toe adjustment, to do a 'proper' alignment takes several 'check & adjust' cycles for both axles due to the mechanical relationship between components, also it's best to check for any bush or bearing wear beforehand otherwise you're just wasting time & effort. If you don't have swivel plates, then roll the wheels at least a half turn after an adjustment before re-checking.

 

[Ubique]

I would add to that and make sure the steering box or rack was centralised first, and if not, take off the steering wheel and reset it.

Unless the vehicle has a steering angle sensor and/or rotary coupler....

 

[Keithmac]

I've done a few cars now with string lines, all drive straight with no uneven tyre wear.

Made my own tools to check / adjust camber.

Mentioned it to my lad a while back and he just looked at me as if I was taking the pee, then he went to a touring car meet and saw it in action.

Would like to make a proper setup with front and rear beams that hang off the car (for my Golf) at some point.

 

[Jack_K]

There are heaps of DIY solutions for turnplates such as using garbage bags or tiles and grease. It is usually cheaper to find a used setup that includes turnplates instead of buying new "cheap" turnplates.

 

[Wedg1e]

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

Beat me to it
I would say I have a pair of those... but last time I found one, I couldn't find the other
Yes, I know; you only need one... but I had two. Probably lent one out never to be seen again

 

[Wedg1e]

I've done a few cars now with string lines, all drive straight with no uneven tyre wear.

Made my own tools to check / adjust camber.

Mentioned it to my lad a while back and he just looked at me as if I was taking the pee, then he went to a touring car meet and saw it in action.

Would like to make a proper setup with front and rear beams that hang off the car (for my Golf) at some point.

I came up with the idea of using a laser pen as a starting point... but when I put the pen in a Vee block, pointed it at a wall and rotated it, it drew a circle. So not much bloody use after all.

 

[Smallfry]

Why does it take so long for garage to do it ? Place here will do four wheel laser alignment while you wait without appointment. £45

 

[finyuk2005]

They dont like tying up the ramp that could be doing MOT's instead!

 

[Keithmac]

They dont like tying up the ramp that could be doing MOT's instead!

My lad's garage use their MOT ramp for alignments, can't be enough money in it to warrant a dedicated ramp..

 

[Smallfry]

My lad's garage use their MOT ramp for alignments, can't be enough money in it to warrant a dedicated ramp..

If they already have the equipment, I would have thought they would make more money out of that that an MOT

 

[Turbo]

Accurate tracking checking and sorting depends on having someone who actually understands how to use the equipment.
Local tyre place had a decent mechanic working there and he was brilliant at doing tracking.
He would centre the rack first and adjust each side until everything was on spec.

Then he left and it's the tyre fitter monkeys that try and do it. Lets just say they couldn't track their own finger!.

 

[finyuk2005]

Accurate tracking checking and sorting depends on having someone who actually understands how to use the equipment.
Local tyre place had a decent mechanic working there and he was brilliant at doing tracking.
He would centre the rack first and adjust each side until everything was on spec.

Then he left and it's the tyre fitter monkeys that try and do it. Lets just say they couldn't track their own finger!.

i had it done at quick fit once, drove fine after it, apart from the steering wheel being at 3 o'clock when driving in a straight line!
I went back and got some BS from the manager about the wrong data being used in the computer or something.... only to watch him walk through the workshop and give the poor spotty apprentice a right bollocking!
He had clearly forgotten to check the steering wheel was pointing dead ahead!

 

[Smallfry]

Accurate tracking checking and sorting depends on having someone who actually understands how to use the equipment.
Local tyre place had a decent mechanic working there and he was brilliant at doing tracking.
He would centre the rack first and adjust each side until everything was on spec.

Then he left and it's the tyre fitter monkeys that try and do it. Lets just say they couldn't track their own finger!.

I know what you mean, the rack, or box should be centred, but they often don't. Then tracked but the steering wheel out of kilter, one of my pet hates.

Also seen the rack boots come back twisted too, I mean, its not hard, is it ?

Years ago I had an Astra F. Unusual in that they had a hollow track rod, and a hollow rod end. they were joined and adjusted, with a double ended bolt, with a LH thread on one end, and a RH thread on the other. They were notorious for seizing solid. I had installed new ends, and cleaned everything up, and covered everything with copper grease.
I took it to a tyre company who had posh premises and a posh waiting room to set it up. Minutes later I looked and saw my car up a lift, with an oxy torch on it, and an adjuster glowing red. I asked what the f**k he was doing, and was told these always seize up, so we have to do this. I was hopping mad, and said its all new FFS, is the guy blind ? I took it away, but paint had been burnt and one of the new end boots had been ruined.

 

[Jack_K]

Accurate tracking checking and sorting depends on having someone who actually understands how to use the equipment.
Local tyre place had a decent mechanic working there and he was brilliant at doing tracking.
He would centre the rack first and adjust each side until everything was on spec.

Then he left and it's the tyre fitter monkeys that try and do it. Lets just say they couldn't track their own finger!.

100%

Someone who knows what they are doing can get better results from the crudest equipment compared to someone who knows nothing and has the latest most expensive equipment. It is hard to find someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[roofman]

100%

Someone who knows what they are doing can get better results from the crudest equipment compared to someone who knows nothing and has the latest most expensive equipment. It is hard to find someone who knows what they are doing.

Yep, i get the best results from a string line. I run 2 Vivaros and a renault trafic and the camber / castor never changes its just wheels pointing in same direction with rack centred up that matters. even if you have wider rears just make sure the air gap on fronts are equal with string touching the sidewall of rears.