wheel alignment

[WestfieldMX5]

Suppose I want to set up 0 toe in in the back.

This would mean that if I measure the width between the rims, that the front and the back of the rims should have equal distances.

But how do I know that, for example, my left wheel doesn't have 1mm toe in and my right wheel 1 mm toe out?

The distances would still be the same, but my wheels are pointing to the right ...

[Tigger]

You could use the string method, a bit old school but does work.

Run some strong twine (string) around all four wheels taking into account the front may be narrower than the front so may need to be spaced a bit.

This should show you how much toe in/out each wheel has and is a great starting point.

If you don't know what I mean, google "stringing your car", similar to THIS

Tiggs

[CedricTheBrave]

I used a laser level taped to a spirit level to get both planes level then placed a board at the front of the car and marked where the dot was.

easy to get both sides the same.

do it again after camber adjustment

30minutes toe in for the rear

[les]

I tried string and gave up .....

Its not in the book but i drove car into garage and with magic marker marked the centre edge of front and back wheels then removed the car and from this marked the  center line of the car, from this i marked a box for the narrower front - and a box for the wider rear - making sure it was all dead square drove car back onto marks and used a long (2m) straight edge on tyre sighting along lines to set the tow in

Then used a large square (£1.99 from DIY shop) cut down so it just touched tyre at widest points without fouling Mud guards. It worked for me you could use a laser level with this method, its very acurate cos its easy to see the amount of tow in if ampified to 2m

.................. its a thought anyway..............

prior to this i set just by eye and was miles out.......

[WestfieldMX5]

thx for the tips guys,  I'm gonna give it a try next weekend

[nikpro]

Take it to somewhere that does proper alignment!

Can't believe that people mess around with 'home made' devices that give inconsistent results at best. (Can you really measure 1/10th deg on the same point of a wheel rim time after time?)

This is exactly why most Caterhams handle better than Westfields - they have less adjustment (usualy) on the de dion rear axle (Less room for mistakes) and their owners have them professionally aligned.

You can do alignment using the methods described but it takes a great deal of patience, accuracy & skill. ('Stringing-up' is used by race teams when there is no other option - usually in the paddock after an accident and the centre lines of the vehicles are already accuratley marked by laser alignment equipment prior to this.)

Approx £150 for a full alignment will transform your vehicle. (Just my Opinion!).

[Matt Seabrook]

I would have said bring it in to my workshop and let me sort it out but its a long drive from Belgium

[Shovey]

big thumbs up    for Racecardoctor.com

depending on where you are of course!

David has just corner weighted my car for £150. He also did all the necessary Geometry adjustments i.e toe, camber etc

He's near Lewes, Brighton. Very very knowlegeable

[nikpro]

big thumbs up    for Racecardoctor.com

depending on where you are of course!

David has just corner weighted my car for £150. He also did all the necessary Geometry adjustments i.e toe, camber etc

He's near Lewes, Brighton. Very very knowlegeable

He is very good; Lovely Westie too!  

[Shovey]

Yeah that Westie looked very nice - bet he's quick on the track isn't he?

[nikpro]

Yeah that Westie looked very nice - bet he's quick on the track isn't he?

Aye - he was awesome at Spa  

[WestfieldMX5]

I should have added that I am going to have it properly aligned, but I want to get it in the right ballpark before I go.

I don't know how the MX5 based kit that I'm building compares to other westfields, but aligning the rear is rather time consuming.  I figured I'd save some time by doing the rough work myself.

As it is now, the wheels are pointing anywhere except forward.  I don't think I can safely drive it the 1 mile to the alignement shop around the corner ...