|
In Reply to: Front end is done! posted by Scottie on January 21, 2001 at 18:46:36:
I recently did the same. While I was at it, I replaced the struts (Bilsteins) and brakes (new calipers & rotors (slotted ate).
Were you careful not to preload the control arms? I thought I could put a jack under the knuckle and then torque the bolts. Mistake. I later put it on ramps and replaced the self-locking nuts on upper and lowers. I also aligned it myself. Here's how.
Load up the car as recommended with weight in the front and rear seats. I used bags of sakrete as they were handy. With the car on ramps, replace two of the rear wheel bolts with six inch bolts ($3 each at my local hardware store). Take a laser level and lay it on these two bolts, firmly against the lip of the rim at approximately the 3 & 9:00 positions. Illuminate the laser against the back wall of the garage and mark the location and distance (from the center of the wheel hub) of the point on the wall. Do the same with each side. Knowing the distance of each rear wheel it is possible to calculate the offset to perpendicularity. Move the 6" bolts to the front wheels and repeat the marking of the position and distance of the laser spot. It is now possible to accurately measure the toe angle as it is and also as it should be. Once the correct angle is calculated, mark the corresponding spot on the wall and then adjust the tie rod length to dial it in.
Took about two hours. At $100 for a dealer alignment, I figure it was worth it. Please note that a healthy interest and understanding of geometry and algebra are required.
© 1997 -
2009
Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.
