DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
2 Attachment(s)
I have been doing my own aligments for a long time now as it is way cheaper and given some care, much more accurate than the dipshits who only care if it is "within specs" at the tire installers.
I actually had a readout on my wifes truck from a couple of years ago that was toe out on the passenger side and toe in on driver side. the dealership told me it was within spec, so the left it. of course the truck was drifting to the right all the time as both tires were pointing to the right all the time. Trying to explain that concept to the service manager was like explaining space flight to a hampster... Anyway, I have always used the string box method, which is a pita to set up and keep straight if you roll the car back and forth between adjustments. I was thinking about how to keep the strings in the same position on the car, even if the car moves. i know everyone has seen or heard of smart strings, but that is more cash than i am willing to spend. I came up with a solution which costs a total of 10$. (4) 2" Mini suction cup (quick release) Item # 46900 (on sale for $.99) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46900 (2) sections 7' of elastic string $1.29 from joanne fabric (4) 4" machine screws and nuts (fine tread) I dissasembled the suction cups, drilled a hole and inserted the screws, securing them with the bolts. I attach the suction cups to the car, positioning the bolts about level with the front and rear hubs, suction cups to the sides of the front and rear bumpers. Knot the elastic string and slide it over the bolt. Using a 1/32"/1mm graduated metal ruler, measure to the center hubs to set up the string. Front track on an integra is 10mm wider, so the rear measurement will have to each be 5mm outset from the front measure (string to hub) I finalized on 40mm front, 45mm rear center the steering wheel and secure with a deadman (see pics below, 1 long piece of wood, 2 clamps) Using paper and pencil (or a cool spreadsheet i made in excel if you are me), measure from the front edge to string and back edge to string of the wheel. take the difference. if the wheel towards the front of the car is a larger number than the back of the wheel measurement, then you have toe in on that wheel. at the front of the car, loosen the lock nut (17mm open end wrench) and turn the tie rod adjustment arm to make your change (14mm wrench). roll the car back and forth and re-measure. at the rear, you will need to loosen the bolt on the compensator arm and move it in or out depending on initial measurement. I finished out with 1/16" toe out each side for total toe 1/8" out rear finished 0 toe total time 45 minutes suction cup front driver fell off once, i licked it, never fell off again. Note to self, use water next time as it tasted like ass. see pics below: Dead Man Steering Wheel Holder: http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...t/DSC02336.jpg Driver side front Suction cup: Attachment 468197 Driver side read suction cup: Attachment 468198 |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Looks good! :thumbup:
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
that's the same method that I used when I'm short of cash and always have work great for me!!
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
From what I've seen in the Helms the Integra is only 5mm wider TOTAL in front than the rear. Wouldn't that mean that you have to adjust for only 2.5mm on each side? I've been searching alignment and these are the specs that I found all over the internet. Here is one of the links. http://www.itrsport.com/specifications.html.
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by SlapSmak
(Post 39693948)
suction cup front driver fell off once, i licked it, never fell off again. Note to self, use water next time as it tasted like ass.
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by EKtypeRhaTcH
(Post 39703759)
From what I've seen in the Helms the Integra is only 5mm wider TOTAL in front than the rear. Wouldn't that mean that you have to adjust for only 2.5mm on each side? I've been searching alignment and these are the specs that I found all over the internet. Here is one of the links. http://www.itrsport.com/specifications.html.
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Looks good! Good thing Harbor freight and Joanne fabrics are right next door to one another here. :thumbup:
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
From what I found out the 98 spec JDM Type-R are 5mm(if not mistaken) wider in the rear.
here is the link http://www.j-garage.com/honda/integra/98spec.htm |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by SlapSmak
(Post 39693948)
suction cup front driver fell off once, i licked it, never fell off again. Note to self, use water next time as it tasted like ass.
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by itr1244
(Post 39933696)
why did you taste the ass in the first place :P
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Definitely a DIY I've always wanted info on! Nice work sir!!
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
good stuff :thumbup:
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
This is cool as hell, thumbs up to you Slap.
I always do my own alignments and I'm always experimenting with different suspension angles on my gs-r. I havent been tuning as much as i would like only because the jack-stand method is so time consuming. With this little trick i should be able to make changes and check measurements in like a half an hour. |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by JDMG3
(Post 39932859)
From what I found out the 98 spec JDM Type-R are 5mm(if not mistaken) wider in the rear.
here is the link http://www.j-garage.com/honda/integra/98spec.htm |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
I picked up a steering wheel holder from the Bay, it will replace the ghjetto clamp/wood method. I will set it up tomorrow and put up some pics. should make the setup slightly easier.
Stand by... |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by SlapSmak
(Post 40218386)
I picked up a steering wheel holder from the Bay, it will replace the ghjetto clamp/wood method. I will set it up tomorrow and put up some pics. should make the setup slightly easier.
Stand by... |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
3 Attachment(s)
Revised Steering wheel hold apparatus. 30$ on Ebay. Pretty straight forward setup. Put a towel in the seat to protect the fabric, really not necassary, but I am anal.
Pics: Attachment 467148 Attachment 467149 Attachment 467150 |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
I did a string alignment on my car before Expo9. :thumbup:
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Good post -
I still use the jackstands + string box method. Should also check out setting camber with sheets of vinyl flooring and a bucket + tubing with water. There are posts around HT or on Youtube on how to do it. |
Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
I like the new pics. Now everything looks super pro.
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
what if your bumpers or body isn't aligned properly? Wouldn't that affect the process?
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Originally Posted by blk_dc
(Post 43767248)
what if your bumpers or body isn't aligned properly? Wouldn't that affect the process?
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
^^^ thanks man!!
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
Great info, always thought this was possible. Note to self,....DON'T LICK THE SUCTION CUP!
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Re: DIY R Alignment: The Quick Method
I'm still unsure on how to do this lol. I just paid $50 for an alignment and I had asked for specific settings for camber and toe. How do I know it was done to my specs? No idea. I would love to throw it up on the rack or check it this way to find out. If its off I'm going to be pissed.
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