Moderator: volvite
This is great info, thanks!smj999smj wrote:I do alignments all the time and don't have any problems. Modern alignment machines basically do all the work. We use an 8-year old Hunter alignment machine with Win-toe and Win-align. One of the things I learned to do is before I start, I sit in the car and get the steering wheel straight. Then I take a length of masking tape and run it across the top of the steering wheel horn pad (or air bag) over to the top of the steering column cover. I then run a razor across the tape at the gap between the steering wheel and column. When it comes to the final adjustments where the machine instructs to center the steering wheel, the tape makes it easier to do this, as all I have to do is align the two lengths of tape. Without doing this, you are sorta eyeballing it while looking into the car and sometimes the steering wheel will be a bit off of center. The machine adjusts the toe to where you say the wheel is center, so this is often where a lot of the centralization errors occur. Also, there are a lot of mechanics that will do a "toe and go" alignment, never taking the time to adjust the caster or camber when necessary, although they are being paid to do so. This is why it is always important to get an alignment printout from the machine for your vehicle. If they can't give you one for whatever reasons, be suspicious.
This is awesome!patomwazi wrote:my dad had an old Peugeot 504...no air bags....after alignment they would unbolt the steering wheel and bolt it back centered...
if thats the case dont let them do that cause they could make it way off.DanJetta wrote:Ha! I'd also expect to get back a box of left-over bits. These guys aren't the sharpest tools in the shed.akley88 wrote:they could unbolt the steering shaft at the rack and pinion and move it a tooth or two to get the steering wheel centered.