Date:         Sun, 15 Apr 2001 14:32:31 -0600
Reply-To:     Steve Blackham <steph@USWEST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Blackham <steph@USWEST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Alignment Question (TOOLS)
Comments: cc: Larry Alofs <lalofs@ENTERACT.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"

Actually the Vanagon is fairly easy to self align.  The camber can be
set with tha aid of a camber gauge available from RMMW or Whitney for
under $100.  A cheaper version is available from Harbor Freight. The
toe can be set with two accurate yard sticks held together with a
series of elastic bands.  Extend the two yard sticks to between the
most forward position of the two rims. Record the distance.  Now
duplicate the procedure on the furthest rear position on the two
rims. Check again after rolling the car forward a little to be sure.
The back dimension should be about 1/8" longer than the front.  Check
Bentley 44.2 and 44.3 for details.  I have found tha Camber causes
most of the problems.  Abnormal wear on the side of the tire.  If you
have this, the van will still pull even after an alignment.  I
recommend regular rotation to fight this problem.

Steve

--
Steve Blackham
Centerville, Utah

77 transporter converted to camper (Westy top)
83 Vanagon  (New and current project)
87 Weekender