Date:         Thu, 8 May 2008 23:20:55 -0700
Reply-To:     Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: DIY alignment? (Also, alignment numbers)
In-Reply-To:  <91c8f9760805081636g6839a97fj5bf8adbfafc84519@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

4 1 -gallon paint cans, 2 two-by fours, measuring
rod, and chalk.
Place two cans at the side of each tire , leading
and trailing .
remove hubcaps.

Place 2X4 across from one can to the other , both
sides, 2x4 snug against the sidewalls leading and
trailing.
Steering wheels staight.

Measure from inside edge of tire leading edges ,
left to right , and trailing edge.
Not what the manual shows for the toe-in, and
adjust The tie rods to toe-out or in.

Leading edge is toed in like 1/8- 1/4 inch more
than the trailing.
keep the steering wheel steady while adjusting
both tie rod ends evenly.

Car should be on smooth, level ground.


Robert
1982 Bashfalia










--- pickle vanagon <greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM>
wrote:

> Alignments are the one thing I find myself
> taking a vanagon to a shop for.
> I would love to find a way to do a good job at
> them myself.  Does anybody
> have good "backyard mechanic" ways of doing
> their alignments?
>
> While I'm at it, let me throw out the numbers
> that came back from my Sears
> alignment today, in case anybody wants to
> comment.  They only ended up doing
> a toe adjustment.  I note that several
> parameters are still out of specified
> ranges.  What should I think about this?
>
> Thanks!
> Wes
> '83 1.9l westy
>
>
>
> Front Left:
>                  Now | Before | Specified Range
> Camber  0.0 | 0.0 | -.5* , .5*
> Caster    6.8* | 6.8* | 7.0*, 7.5*
> Toe        .17* | -.13* | .04*, .29*
> SAI          13.8* | 13.8* | N/A
> Included Angle 13.8* | 13.8* | N/A
>
> Front Right:
>                  Now | Before | Specified Range
> Camber    0.0 | 0.0 | -.5*, .5*
> Caster      6.5* | 6.5* | 7.0*, 7.5*
> Toe          .17* | .46* | .04*, .29*
> SAI          15.3* | 15.3* | N/A
> Included Angle 15.3* | 15.3* | N/A
>
>
> Front
>                  Now | Before | Specified Range
> Cross Camber  0.0 | 0.0 | -1.0*, 1.0*
> Cross  Caster .2* | .2* | N/A
> Cross SAI  -1.5* | -1.5* | N/A
> Cross Toe .34* | .33* | .08, .58*
>
> Rear: Left
>                  Now | Before | Specified Range
> Camber    -1.3* | -1.3* | -1.3*, -.3*
> Toe          .26* | .25* | -.17* .17*
>
> Rear: Right
>                  Now | Before | Specified Range
> Camber    -1.9* | -2.0* | -1.3*, -.3*
> Toe         .02* | .03* | -.17* .17*
>
>
> Rear:
>                  Now | Before | Specified Range
> Cross Camber .7* | .6* | N/A
> Total Toe         .28* | .28 * | -.33* .33*
> Thrust Angle    .12* | .11* | N/A
>



      ____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ