DIY tracking

[Stekelly]

Was thinkign about this the other day so had a root on Ebay and came across this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRACKACE-TRAC ... 336d2a8e88" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; after also watchign Ed China do it Seems simple enough. The only thing is, woudl the wheels not need to be on some sort of dolly to let them turn a bit while your adjusting the track rod end?

[SaabC5]

Correct. they are normally put on a round plate with a pivot underneath that allows you to adjust the track rod end correctly.

[Peter.N.]

For many years I have used something even simpler than that, it a length of threaded rod slid into a tube. I adjust it to length so that it just touches the front edge of the tyres about level with the top edge of the bottom rim them move it to the same postion at the rear of the tyre and check the gap - or lack of it. I have used this method on CXs, BXs and XMs, my front tyres last about 30k and wear evenly.

Peter

[Gibbo2286]

As for the need to let the wheels pivot all you need is a sandwich of grease between a couple of steel plates to sit the wheels on.

[electronmirror]

Cheaper than a dollop of grease and two steel plates........rip a dozen pages out of a glossy magazine that SWMBO has finished reading.

The china clay ( kaolinite ) used in the production of the glossy paper makes for two very slippery surfaces.

Several years ago I bought a Gunsons Trak-rite device which has always given sterling service, but I do like the simplicity of Peter N's suggestion.

Ted

[MPV]

After the hassle I've had with the "super laser modern alignment machine" at my local tyre place this week, I was also wondering if it could be done DIY...

3 times I've been back and it still pulls to the left.

[Peter.N.]

Ah, if its pulling to the left that's unlikely to be a tracking error unless its very severe, its more likely to be due to uneven tyre wear or the camber angle being incorrect which could be due to worn bushes or something bent. One of my XMs pulls to the right, I have never been able to find the cause but it doesn't wear the tyres excessively so I learned to live with it.

Peter

[dnsey]

Tracking does seem to be one of those simple things which somehow retains a strange mystique.
I use a similar method to Peter's.
My tracking tool is an extending tent pole, but something like a clothes prop would do just as well. Adjust it for a good fit between rims on the 'shorter' side, and the extra gap on the 'longer' side is easily measured (or estimated - as the C5's toe is zero to something, I'm happy with a slight rattle!).
I bet DIY tracking gives more accurate resullts than many chain garages - I've seen some horrific errors in the past!

[GB]

I bet DIY tracking gives more accurate resullts than many chain garages - I've seen some horrific errors in the past!

Agreed. Usually the hi tech tracking equipment is great, but the operator just CBF (can't be f.).

Looks like my C5 is still on it's original factory tracking (78K miles), and the tyre wear is great.

I'll be getting a new set of tyres in March and was considering tracking adjustment as well, but I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[RichG]

Was thinkign about this the other day so had a root on Ebay and came across this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRACKACE-TRAC ... 336d2a8e88" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; after also watchign Ed China do it Seems simple enough. The only thing is, woudl the wheels not need to be on some sort of dolly to let them turn a bit while your adjusting the track rod end?

I bought a Trackace a few months ago. The price seemed high for what it was but it is well made and did exactly what it said on the tin.
As my tracking was within limits I did not have to adjust it. I did check it three times, after moving the car back and forwards again and the reading stayed the same.
The instructions are very detailed on how to ensure that the car 'sits' correctly before checking it.

Richard

[Gibbo2286]

Cheaper than a dollop of grease and two steel plates........rip a dozen pages out of a glossy magazine that SWMBO has finished reading.

The china clay ( kaolinite ) used in the production of the glossy paper makes for two very slippery surfaces. Ted

Funnily enough I don't have any women's magazines in my workshop but I do have steel and grease.

[Clogzz]

I have brooms, curtain rods, a rake and chalk in my garage … all good measuring tools.

[Peter.N.]

Adjustable ones?

[Clogzz]

Two of the curtain rods are, the others get the chalk marks.

[DickieG]

Was thinkign about this the other day so had a root on Ebay and came across this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRACKACE-TRAC ... 336d2a8e88" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; after also watchign Ed China do it Seems simple enough. The only thing is, woudl the wheels not need to be on some sort of dolly to let them turn a bit while your adjusting the track rod end?

There's a £15 discount available on that ATM direct from Trackace = £77.49 delivered, very tempting.