Wheel alignment info for Expert

This is the Forum for all your Peugeot Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
Wookey
(Donor 2019)
Posts: 255
Joined: 28 Dec 2004, 08:43
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
My Cars: Peugeot Expert 1.9D (Camper conversion) (2003-now)
x 12
Contact:

Wheel alignment info for Expert

Post by Wookey »

I've just noticed from my tyres (outside edges quite badly scrubbed) that my wheel alignment is bad (probably very bad). This isn't at all surprising as in the last couple of years I've replaced both front suspension arms and one track rod end and not actually got round to checking it (yes I know, I am a bad, lazy, false-economy Wook). A bit of string-measuring suggests that it is several mm toed-in. The question is what is the correct setting? Can I find the numbers online somewhere? I guess that 'parallel' would be a good start in the absence of a correct setting.

After about 2 hours work today I got as far as loosening the nut on one side, which was a hell of a work-out, and eventually required lowering the weight of the van onto the nut spanner to break it free, and then another hour getting the nut to rotate on the steering rod. Oh what fun! I'll do the other side tomorrow :-) I am beginning to think that paying someone 40 quid to sort it out would be sensible, but it's always annoyed me that I didn't have the kit to do this myself. Do people rate the Gunson 'trackrite' tool? Or prefer a laser+mirror clamped to the wheels type setup (like the trackace: http://trackace.co.uk/)? Paying £80-odd for a decent tool that lets one check it every time would make sense in the long run; you'd be financially ahead after a couple of checks as well as having the convenience of working at home. Also I note that the trackrite optionally comes with a base https://www.thetoolacademy.com/gunson-g ... 8785-p.asp. When does one need one of those? Is it to allow for lumpiness or gravel on the roadway?

It also seems to be impossible to get 195/70R14 C1 tyres for this van any more. There are still a few car tyres that size available, but none with decent efficiency. ('C' is the best you can get which is worse than the Nexen Eco ones on there). I guess it's a very old-fashioned size now. Am I allowed to change the front rims to 15" to increase the tyre range available? Or do I have to do all 4 at once?
Wookey
(2003-now:1997 Peugeot Expert stealth camper, 1991-2003:1987 C15)
User avatar
Huskyxantia
Donor 2023
Posts: 1949
Joined: 30 Jul 2018, 22:11
Location: Surrey Kent sussex border
My Cars: Past cars
Xsara Picasso 2019 to 2022 r.i.p
Xantia mk1&2 1.9D & 2.0Hdi
Peugeot 206 sw 1.4hdi
Other models
Skoda fabia,escort van,ford ka,Vauxhall astra g car & estate, Vauxhall corsa b, Suzuki swift
Escorts mk 1,2,3,4,5 fiestas mk 1,2, Sierra diesel mk1 Mondeo mk1 diesel .
Peugeot 207 , 307sw

Now cars
Picasso 2.0Hdi now gone to scrappie
Citroen zx estate 1.9D the cherished one
Peugeot 206cc raised from the dead & saved from the crusher traded up to a 308cc
307sw traded for the 207 .

Wish list.
Peugeot 405 diesel
106 or 206
Mondeo Mk1 diesel once owned 1.8tdi was real nice.
x 398

Re: Wheel alignment info for Expert

Post by Huskyxantia »

Ive paid 40 quid 4 year ago it was a fancy computer set up
Only to do it myself a week later using the string method and getting it lined up that way perfect, im against using a garage now, thats my personsl preference.
Husky. :?
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11563
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
Location: Charmouth,Dorset
My Cars: Currently:

C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Re: Wheel alignment info for Expert

Post by Peter.N. »

Tracking tool.jpg
Its should toe in a little obviously yours is toeing in to much. It varies from car to car but its generally parallel to one or 2 mm toe in. I have used this for tracking for 40 - 50 years.
wheeler
Posts: 6849
Joined: 21 Sep 2002, 19:07
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:
x 718

Re: Wheel alignment info for Expert

Post by wheeler »

For a Dispatch but its the same thing.
Attachments
FWA.jpg
Wookey
(Donor 2019)
Posts: 255
Joined: 28 Dec 2004, 08:43
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
My Cars: Peugeot Expert 1.9D (Camper conversion) (2003-now)
x 12
Contact:

Re: Wheel alignment info for Expert

Post by Wookey »

Aha. Cheers. 1mm+0.5. So the ~5mm I've currently got will be 'quite bad' then.

I've bought myself a trackace on ebay so I can get this sorted properly.
Wookey
(2003-now:1997 Peugeot Expert stealth camper, 1991-2003:1987 C15)
Wookey
(Donor 2019)
Posts: 255
Joined: 28 Dec 2004, 08:43
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
My Cars: Peugeot Expert 1.9D (Camper conversion) (2003-now)
x 12
Contact:

Re: Wheel alignment info for Expert

Post by Wookey »

OK. I bought a s/h trackace on ebay which arrived remarkably quickly, so I've adjusted it to the above spec. It was at 1 degree, which is a long way from 6 minutes. I'll need to free up the other side if I want to centre the steering wheel - but that's very much optional. I can get the tracking to spec with just one side movable.
The trackace is a nice bit of kit. Simple but effective.
Wookey
(2003-now:1997 Peugeot Expert stealth camper, 1991-2003:1987 C15)
Post Reply