TR2/3/3A Alignment woes

[deuce]

Hi Folks.. Here's what I did.. Using a very fine thread like string between two jack stands, I measured very closely the distance to the rear wheel. Making the string exactly parallel to the rear wheel. Then using the string at the front wheel and with the steering wheel straight ahead I set the front wheel to 1/16 - 1/8 toe in. Seems perfect. When I take it for a test drive it was wrong. To go straight, I must keep the wheel turned significantly to the right. I have done this twice. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance

 

[CJD]

Your technique will get the toe correct, but as you see, not necessarily the straight ahead alignment. It's easy to fix, though...

You have to bring the wheels to the right, so loosen the clamps and lengthen the right rod about 1/2 turn, and shorten the Left rod the exact same 1/2 turn. This will bring the wheels to the right, so your steering wheel will move towards center, while retaining the alignment you worked on. I usually do my alignment on a straight, level stretch of driveway or street, and leave the clamps loose. To test, hold your steering wheel at center and let the car roll forward on the level road for about 50 feet to see how your correction did. Then roll it back and adjust the tie rods equally as needed to bring the wheels to center with the steering wheel. I save time by leaving the clamps loose until my test roll is perfect...and then I tighten them to lock in your adjustment before you drive. As long as you turn the tie rods equally, your alignment will remain the same.

Note: A little extra toe IN will not affect driveability. Any toe OUT will make the car drive terribly...it will dart back and forth and follow any bump or grain in the road. So the motto is, always err to the toe in direction.

 

[CJD]

Funny...I responded on the first thread (this one), number 2 was deleted, and everyone else went to the same #3 "other" thread.

"What we have here is a failure to commuuunicate!"

 

[deuce]

Your technique will get the toe correct, but as you see, not necessarily the straight ahead alignment. It's easy to fix, though...

You have to bring the wheels to the right, so loosen the clamps and lengthen the right rod about 1/2 turn, and shorten the Left rod the exact same 1/2 turn. This will bring the wheels to the right, so your steering wheel will move towards center, while retaining the alignment you worked on. I usually do my alignment on a straight, level stretch of driveway or street, and leave the clamps loose. To test, hold your steering wheel at center and let the car roll forward on the level road for about 50 feet to see how your correction did. Then roll it back and adjust the tie rods equally as needed to bring the wheels to center with the steering wheel. I save time by leaving the clamps loose until my test roll is perfect...and then I tighten them to lock in your adjustment before you drive. As long as you turn the tie rods equally, your alignment will remain the same.

Note: A little extra toe IN will not affect driveability. Any toe OUT will make the car drive terribly...it will dart back and forth and follow any bump or grain in the road. So the motto is, always err to the toe in direction.

Hi John.. Just a note to thank you for the solution to my alignment woes. It's been hot as blazes here for the last week or so but cooled this morning. Found a level spot in a high school parking lot. Jeez, does every kid in the school have to drive their own car to school?.. Anyhow, your advise..after digesting.. worked just fine. My car now drives straight with the steering wheel pointing straight. I'll check the toe again with the string but it couldn't have changed that much. If it has I know how to fix it. Thanks.... George

 

[deuce]

Hi John.. Just a note to thank you for the solution to my alignment woes. It's been hot as blazes here for the last week or so but cooled this morning. Found a level spot in a high school parking lot. Jeez, does every kid in the school have to drive their own car to school?.. Anyhow, your advise..after digesting.. worked just fine. My car now drives straight with the steering wheel pointing straight. I'll check the toe again with the string but it couldn't have changed that much. If it has I know how to fix it. Thanks.... George

PS You don't happen to know the thread size in my emergency brake screw on grip. I have posted on a couple forums.. no response. Thanks again.. George

 

[CJD]

Glad it worked. I am sorry, but I can't remember the handbrake grip thread.