Gunson Trakrite Wheel Alignment Gauge
Discussion
SV8Predator said:
No 'matching platform' please, let the wheels do what they are meant to. That's how it works.
What are the wheels "meant" to do that adding another platform prevents?The idea is to prevent the steering turning due to uneven loading on the wheels as one wheel mounts the Trakrite (which would invalidate the results), and when it was first available the Trakrite was supplied with a matching plastic dummy platform for the other wheel. Clearly Gunson decided to save money by not supplying it any more since it doesn't make a huge difference on modern cars.
I use one in the car park of a local leisure centre (flat, level, and smooth). Adjusted the alignment of a rear wheel drive Granada with it and then went on to 45,000 miles plus on a set of tyres. Just because it's simple it doesn't mean it doesn't work. Think about how it works and it is clear it can't be far wrong as long as you follow the directions. Kwak Fart have ruined a set of tyres for me before now, as did an independent in Colindale and I decided the fifty or so quid on this was a good insurance policy. It has paid off many times over.
Ozzie Osmond said:
Just get it done properly...
Yes, if you know the fitter.... And he is using calibrated equipment, and knows how to use it... Sadly, many don't.Over the years I have had many "free" checks on my car when i have had tyres fitted and they always tell me the tracking is out... Not on my precise and calibrated equipment at home it isn't....
bonesX said:
Any one use this gauge?
My VRS only has adjustment for front toe so this would do the full alignment
Any feedback appreciated
Yes, this bit of kit has been around for years.... I used to run a very large fleet of delivery vehicles and one of the workshop managers introduced one of these into the workshop. Every time a vehicle came in for service the mechanic would run the van over the gauge... If it was out, it would get adjusted... The workshop significantly reduced its tyre spend and we introduced them into every workshop. They also do a commercial one as well....My VRS only has adjustment for front toe so this would do the full alignment
Any feedback appreciated
As I understand it, it works on the principle that when the vehicle is moving, the wheels should be dead straight ahead. When you drive one wheel over it, it shows you when the wheel is off that, and you adjust it until it is within tolerance, then do the other side.
So it's not really telling you what the toe is at any point.
I use one of these on my classics, and on my TT, and my tyre wear suggests that it is pretty good. I also think that it would take into account any excess wear in steering or suspension components that setting the tracking statically would not.
So it's not really telling you what the toe is at any point.
I use one of these on my classics, and on my TT, and my tyre wear suggests that it is pretty good. I also think that it would take into account any excess wear in steering or suspension components that setting the tracking statically would not.
I use one on my cars, and have done for years. You do need to use road tyres though as I can't get a reading on scrubbed slicks. It works fine, generally I use it to take a measurement after my car has been aligned and then it's a quick reckoner if I think the wheel is out of alignment.
It's not a bad bit of kit for getting a reasonably accurate estimate.
It's not a bad bit of kit for getting a reasonably accurate estimate.
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