Know anything about wheel alignment?
Discussion
I've just had a four wheel alignment done at an indi who use the proper Porsche approved equipment. They proudly gave me a computer printout of the final settings.
The castor angle for the front left wheel is still out of tollerence, it's something like 2.5 degrees when the limits are 4 degrees to 5.5 degrees or something.
I questioned this and was told that castor is virtually impossible to adjust accurately.
Anybody know if this is true?
Cheers
The castor angle for the front left wheel is still out of tollerence, it's something like 2.5 degrees when the limits are 4 degrees to 5.5 degrees or something.
I questioned this and was told that castor is virtually impossible to adjust accurately.
Anybody know if this is true?
Cheers
Like most things related to suspension tuning/adjustment it's a bit of a black art.
As you adjust one setting it can throw out another so it's always a compromise.
That said I would expect them to be able to get the settings within tolerances.
I've been advised before that you should do the caster first, before you do the toe and camber as it's easier to get it right that way.
I've had computerised 4 wheel alignment done on many different cars at many different garages over the years and they all seem to have difficulty getting all the settings perfect, and they all seem to give the same old excuse - "It's almost impossible to get them right." I reckon they just don't try hard enough.
I once had my previous car (Honda S2000) done at my local Honda dealer and ended up taking it back 4 times until they got it right, and on the 4th try they got their top mechanic to do it and he got it damn close on all settings.
Having too little caster will reduce the steering's self centreing effect.
Here's a description of what each of the settings means, and what effect it will have on the handling/steering - www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html
In short, I'd take it back and make them get it at least within tolerances.
>> Edited by sbrewster on Tuesday 21st March 15:08
As you adjust one setting it can throw out another so it's always a compromise.
That said I would expect them to be able to get the settings within tolerances.
I've been advised before that you should do the caster first, before you do the toe and camber as it's easier to get it right that way.
I've had computerised 4 wheel alignment done on many different cars at many different garages over the years and they all seem to have difficulty getting all the settings perfect, and they all seem to give the same old excuse - "It's almost impossible to get them right." I reckon they just don't try hard enough.
I once had my previous car (Honda S2000) done at my local Honda dealer and ended up taking it back 4 times until they got it right, and on the 4th try they got their top mechanic to do it and he got it damn close on all settings.
Having too little caster will reduce the steering's self centreing effect.
Here's a description of what each of the settings means, and what effect it will have on the handling/steering - www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html
In short, I'd take it back and make them get it at least within tolerances.
>> Edited by sbrewster on Tuesday 21st March 15:08
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