8:50, you can still use 1 string at a time if you have different track widths, just compensate for 1/2 the difference in widths in your measurements. So in your example, your track width is 1" wider at the back, therefore the string would be 1/2" closer to your center point than the front.
If you wrap a string around all 4 tires with equal sized spacers on the rear edge of the rear rim and the front edge of the front rims you can align with reference to forward steer and thrust angle. The only time the front tire rear rim spot to string measurement and the rear tire front rim spot to string measurement match on the left and right side is if the vehicle is perfectly aligned to forward steer and thrust angle. You set toe before doing it, a guy named Carl Schulhof that's involved in porsche and lotus motorsports designed this method. It's simple and super accurate.
16:22 I only done this once long ago maybe I'm missing something, but if you use a string for front end alignment you get the string strait but it should be barely touching the rear tire on both front and back of tire then uasally barely touching one side of t h e front tire then you just adjust until both sides of the front tire touch the string or just slightly toed in like 1/32 maybe less no need for all the measuring that's why you use the string . Just make sure the string is strait
That's ONLY if your car has a "square" set up, where the wheel track width is identical front and rear, as well as the wheel/tire width. What I show encompasses ALL types of set ups, because mine is the worst of it, different track width front to rear, AND different wheel width. Thanks for the comment!
Another great video and it’s great you spoke about centering the steering system first. I’ve seen a few RUclips videos on toe and some forget to mention to straighten your steering system first. Most important, it’s the starting point. Imagine going to the trouble of adjusting the toe perfectly and then getting into the car and realising that the steering wheel is out by 10 degrees (or similar) 🤦♂️
Love your GTO. I just installed UMI tubular control arms on my 72 CHevelle, replacing the stock arms. I also lowered my car 2 inches or so when I did this. I needed to drive the car a ways to get it aligned so I used strings and tape measure and managed to get it within a few degrees so I could drive it to the shop....thanks for the assist.
gr8 video!! PVC will solve the square box issue. this way when setup it’s attached to the car. you can jack up and lower without having to reset your box each time. for us guys who have lowered cars. also, 2 pieces of cardboard layer on top of each other works good in place of a swivel plate. those are nice but i just can’t justify the cost, yet.
I took my car to a shop today and they gouged, yes gouged, my camber plates trying to lever them to the desired camber setting. From now on I do all my own alignments. Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips.
Ohhhh man. Exactly why I don't trust ANYONE with my cars. Well, at least my nice cars, ha, ha... If you're looking for more alignment ideas, here's my latest video where QuickTrick added a stringing feature. ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html Thanks for the comment!
@MikeJones-rk1un nope. It's not that easy. The way I documented the process is how you do it, without special equipment. If you want special equipment, check out my QuickString alignment video. Thx
The oversized clown shoe rims and rubber band tires looks STUPID AF. To install factory looking rims that have been stretched to look stupid af is mind blowing.
Your comment is Mind Blowing AF. NO ONE cares about your opinion about my wheel choice. (Clearly your wheels are too small. :)) Next time you leave a comment, try acting like a normal human being and comment about the CONTENT of the video. See ya!
Congrats on your brake upgrade! Here's my latest string aligning video, it's really easy if you have the Quick Trick rig. ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html Either way, have fun driving straight again!
Hey Monty! First time viewer here, I'm looking to figure out how to adjust my toe on both sides to straighten my steering wheel! I just replaced the center drag link on my 1985 Mercedes 190e and wanna sort out the crooked steering wheel
Hey James, welcome to the channel. I'm not an expert on Mercedes... It'll depend if you can remove the steering wheel, or not. Most wheels that are easily removed, like on my car, it mounts to a splined shaft, so you can remove it, rotate it one spline, and put it back on. That's one method. On other cars you have to make that change at the gear box, where the steering shaft is connected. Sorry, I'm not much help for your case, maybe try researching some diagrams for changing the wheel position for your car. After you figure that out, use this video to dial in your Toe. Let us know how it goes!
@@FastMonty To be honest, this Mercedes is as intuitive as cars can get. The steering was fixed by simply disconnecting the tie rods on both end of the center drag link. Straightened the steering wheel, then straighten the wheels until visually straight. I tightened it all up, and made sure the turn signals were in the right spot still. Went to alignment shop and $80 Im aligned!
I also have an A-Body. But with 15” wheels. Yours look to be much larger that 15”. If I measure a 1/16” toe in my inward angle will be more than that on your 1/16” on a larger diameter wheel. Is there a standard diameter where these measurements are supposed to be made?
Great question Thomas... The answer is yes. From what I've researched, the Toe is actually measured at the OD of the tire. So, assuming our tires are around 26", 1/32" (.03125") toe would equate to an angle of .1377303 degrees. So, measuring where I measured, call it 9.5 inches from center, the actual measurement should be (.02283"), whereas with a 15" wheel, you'd be at (.01802") Keep in mind that 1/64" is (.015625") So, in essence, we could get really anal, and use a digital caliper and measure 15 thousandths, or eye ball it on a ruler somewhere between 1/64 and 1/32. :) I think for ease of measuring, and adjusting, both of us are fine at using 1/32 on a ruler. :) Thanks for making me break out my HP 48SX, lol. Hope that helps!
UPDATE February 2023, Here's the NEW way to string align if you have, or considering buying the Quick Trick System. Check it out; ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html Be sure to subscribe for more, click here; ruclips.net/user/fastmontysgarage Then get your FMG hat here; three color combos www.etsy.com/shop/fastmontysgarage
Great video Mike not sure if I missed it but brakes should be applied when doing Alignment adjustments something I learned at the Hunter Alignment classes I have taken
It sure does! I cover that in this video, which is a royal pain in the A$$. Ironically, there's a new solution to speed up the set up, AND I just finished filming that episode. It will air by Monday, if not sooner. Stay on the lookout! Thanks for the great question.
@@markstone5593 I can't speak for Monty, but any mention of using metric or suggestions of it being easier. Will get meet with pushback. Even on something like using a metric tape measure. I've had multiple friends or family members argue with me that I should use imperial tape measures, and how easy they are. Im lazy I don't want the extra step of fractions. I don't know if it just out of being stubborn or stuck in there ways. But I don't see a switch to metric here in the USA. Not in my life time at least. Owning metric sockets is using the metic system for some lol. Im all for whatever is easiest and less work for me.
The little adjustment that are often needed are easily done without freeing the wheels so it's not so hard to put a hand in under the car, but it works only for toe. On higher 4x4 cars, it is easier to do it under the car and mark on inside the wheels with tapemeusure roll it 180" forward and measure againe to get all slack that's in joints in the measurement. Put on zero mm and adjust after behaver on the road.
I bought 8 cheap plastic placemats from the dollar store, the hard plastic ones, not squishy. A little grease between two of them, then place under each tire. Easy and repeatable.
![ROSÉ (로제) - number one girl [더 시즌즈-이영지의 레인보우] | KBS 241129 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/A9oByH9Ci24/mqdefault.jpg)
8:50, you can still use 1 string at a time if you have different track widths, just compensate for 1/2 the difference in widths in your measurements. So in your example, your track width is 1" wider at the back, therefore the string would be 1/2" closer to your center point than the front.
Agreed. Thanks.
If you wrap a string around all 4 tires with equal sized spacers on the rear edge of the rear rim and the front edge of the front rims you can align with reference to forward steer and thrust angle. The only time the front tire rear rim spot to string measurement and the rear tire front rim spot to string measurement match on the left and right side is if the vehicle is perfectly aligned to forward steer and thrust angle. You set toe before doing it, a guy named Carl Schulhof that's involved in porsche and lotus motorsports designed this method. It's simple and super accurate.
Very interesting... that makes perfect sense for a "square" set up. Not so sure that would work for offset wheels/tries. Thanks for the comment!
16:22 I only done this once long ago maybe I'm missing something, but if you use a string for front end alignment you get the string strait but it should be barely touching the rear tire on both front and back of tire then uasally barely touching one side of t h e front tire then you just adjust until both sides of the front tire touch the string or just slightly toed in like 1/32 maybe less no need for all the measuring that's why you use the string . Just make sure the string is strait
That's ONLY if your car has a "square" set up, where the wheel track width is identical front and rear, as well as the wheel/tire width. What I show encompasses ALL types of set ups, because mine is the worst of it, different track width front to rear, AND different wheel width. Thanks for the comment!
I've been diong string alignments for years with good results but I still picked up a few tips from this video. Well done!
Thanks Roger! Much appreciated, and glad I could inspire some new ideas! Thanks for the comment.
100% agree that using MM to measure is tons easier. Good tutorial!
Thanks Scott! Yeah, I need metric rulers now. Ha, ha...
Another great video and it’s great you spoke about centering the steering system first. I’ve seen a few RUclips videos on toe and some forget to mention to straighten your steering system first. Most important, it’s the starting point. Imagine going to the trouble of adjusting the toe perfectly and then getting into the car and realising that the steering wheel is out by 10 degrees (or similar) 🤦♂️
Ha! Exactly! Thanks for the comment!
Love your GTO.
I just installed UMI tubular control arms on my 72 CHevelle, replacing the stock arms. I also lowered my car 2 inches or so when I did this. I needed to drive the car a ways to get it aligned so I used strings and tape measure and managed to get it within a few degrees so I could drive it to the shop....thanks for the assist.
Thanks Brother! You're gonna LOVE your new stance and performance of those new A arms. Have fun!
gr8 video!! PVC will solve the square box issue. this way when setup it’s attached to the car. you can jack up and lower without having to reset your box each time. for us guys who have lowered cars. also, 2 pieces of cardboard layer on top of each other works good in place of a swivel plate. those are nice but i just can’t justify the cost, yet.
Good stuff, thanks!
I took my car to a shop today and they gouged, yes gouged, my camber plates trying to lever them to the desired camber setting. From now on I do all my own alignments. Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips.
Ohhhh man. Exactly why I don't trust ANYONE with my cars. Well, at least my nice cars, ha, ha... If you're looking for more alignment ideas, here's my latest video where QuickTrick added a stringing feature. ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html Thanks for the comment!
Wow. That’s not necessary. All you need is a dowel and a hammer. Just tap it to move the plates. Idiots
That’s the reason I work on my cars, it’s just another job to most others
@@NicholasRiviera-Dr Agreed! Thanks Nicholas!
Most cars do NOT have equal front/rear track width. You'll usually have to construct a string rectangle around the car. Thanks for posting.
Yeah, depends on the age, for sure. Thanks!
Wrap a string line around all 4 wheels at once. Use blocks to hold string off the tires and measure.
Ummm , that "might" work for squared cars. But, will not work for staggered wheels. Thanks!
@@FastMonty Use the right standoff blocks and it will.
@MikeJones-rk1un nope. It's not that easy. The way I documented the process is how you do it, without special equipment. If you want special equipment, check out my QuickString alignment video. Thx
@@FastMonty It's very easy and faster doing all 4 at once. Of course if you don't like to learn better ways....
I'm all about finding better ways... this is the BEST way, check it out. ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.htmlsi=sfyTOGsE0b4TfmL1 @@MikeJones-rk1un
been using this method for tens of years since 1970. Who needs expensive electronic gizmos.
Will continue to work for many more... ha, ha... thanks!
13:45 great explanation 👍 i forgot u only get half of the difference between toe measurements!
Thanks! Yeah, I honestly forgot, until I wrote it down... thanks for the comment!
The oversized clown shoe rims and rubber band tires looks STUPID AF. To install factory looking rims that have been stretched to look stupid af is mind blowing.
Your comment is Mind Blowing AF. NO ONE cares about your opinion about my wheel choice. (Clearly your wheels are too small. :)) Next time you leave a comment, try acting like a normal human being and comment about the CONTENT of the video. See ya!
Good one Mike. Haven't got to this point on my build yet, although this video will sure come in handy when I have. Thanks bud.
Welcome! Thanks for the comment!
Great Video Mike! Keep up the great work. Love how you share your knowledge.
Thanks Tess! Much appreciated!
I need to do this, just had wllwood brakes installed on my 79 TA, all out of whack the front end is now.
Congrats on your brake upgrade! Here's my latest string aligning video, it's really easy if you have the Quick Trick rig. ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html Either way, have fun driving straight again!
why would installing new brakes knock the alignment out?
Hey Monty! First time viewer here, I'm looking to figure out how to adjust my toe on both sides to straighten my steering wheel! I just replaced the center drag link on my 1985 Mercedes 190e and wanna sort out the crooked steering wheel
Hey James, welcome to the channel. I'm not an expert on Mercedes... It'll depend if you can remove the steering wheel, or not. Most wheels that are easily removed, like on my car, it mounts to a splined shaft, so you can remove it, rotate it one spline, and put it back on. That's one method. On other cars you have to make that change at the gear box, where the steering shaft is connected. Sorry, I'm not much help for your case, maybe try researching some diagrams for changing the wheel position for your car. After you figure that out, use this video to dial in your Toe. Let us know how it goes!
@@FastMonty To be honest, this Mercedes is as intuitive as cars can get. The steering was fixed by simply disconnecting the tie rods on both end of the center drag link. Straightened the steering wheel, then straighten the wheels until visually straight. I tightened it all up, and made sure the turn signals were in the right spot still. Went to alignment shop and $80 Im aligned!
@@commandohazelnuts Awesome! I love it when a plan comes together. :)
I also have an A-Body. But with 15” wheels. Yours look to be much larger that 15”. If I measure a 1/16” toe in my inward angle will be more than that on your 1/16” on a larger diameter wheel. Is there a standard diameter where these measurements are supposed to be made?
Great question Thomas... The answer is yes. From what I've researched, the Toe is actually measured at the OD of the tire. So, assuming our tires are around 26", 1/32" (.03125") toe would equate to an angle of .1377303 degrees. So, measuring where I measured, call it 9.5 inches from center, the actual measurement should be (.02283"), whereas with a 15" wheel, you'd be at (.01802") Keep in mind that 1/64" is (.015625") So, in essence, we could get really anal, and use a digital caliper and measure 15 thousandths, or eye ball it on a ruler somewhere between 1/64 and 1/32. :) I think for ease of measuring, and adjusting, both of us are fine at using 1/32 on a ruler. :) Thanks for making me break out my HP 48SX, lol. Hope that helps!
စ၀၀၀
UPDATE February 2023, Here's the NEW way to string align if you have, or considering buying the Quick Trick System. Check it out; ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html
Be sure to subscribe for more, click here; ruclips.net/user/fastmontysgarage Then get your FMG hat here; three color combos www.etsy.com/shop/fastmontysgarage
Great video Mike not sure if I missed it but brakes should be applied when doing Alignment adjustments something I learned at the Hunter Alignment classes I have taken
I've never heard that before... is that so the car doesn't roll off the lift? ha, ha... do you know why that is?
@@FastMonty youre meant to put the brakes on when doing a caster sweep on an alignment machine . doesnt apply to what youre doing
@@chopperking1122 Ahhh, thanks for clarifying.
Does it matter that your rear wheels are wider and have a different offset than the fronts?
It sure does! I cover that in this video, which is a royal pain in the A$$. Ironically, there's a new solution to speed up the set up, AND I just finished filming that episode. It will air by Monday, if not sooner. Stay on the lookout! Thanks for the great question.
@@FastMonty
Sounds good , thanks 🙏
so you like go cart wheels on real cars? His look great.
🏆
Thanks! Check out my latest video about stringing...way easier! ruclips.net/video/NF7NQgZtx_U/видео.html
3 and almost 7/8th of an inch LOL why not just use metric measurements. eg. 98mm.
Exactly why I said a metric ruler would be better to use. Thanks.
@@FastMonty I know😁, it's just funny when we (the rest of the world) watch you guys measure things and start doing equations 👍
@@markstone5593 I can't speak for Monty, but any mention of using metric or suggestions of it being easier. Will get meet with pushback. Even on something like using a metric tape measure. I've had multiple friends or family members argue with me that I should use imperial tape measures, and how easy they are. Im lazy I don't want the extra step of fractions. I don't know if it just out of being stubborn or stuck in there ways. But I don't see a switch to metric here in the USA. Not in my life time at least. Owning metric sockets is using the metic system for some lol. Im all for whatever is easiest and less work for me.
@@markstone5593 You should hear how it sounds in my head, before my mouth starts going. ha!
@@jasonnelson6624 Totally agree. Metric is easier, BUT, it will never be adopted in the US. Thanks Jason!
I can't do math apparently
Ha! Welcome to the club.
Use the floor instead faster and easyer: ruclips.net/video/bdJiOCzYdgw/видео.html
Interesting. But, looks way harder to do if you have to make adjustments. This kit allows you do to it in one set up. Thanks for sharing.
The little adjustment that are often needed are easily done without freeing the wheels so it's not so hard to put a hand in under the car, but it works only for toe. On higher 4x4 cars, it is easier to do it under the car and mark on inside the wheels with tapemeusure roll it 180" forward and measure againe to get all slack that's in joints in the measurement. Put on zero mm and adjust after behaver on the road.
Put Her back to stock 🙈
Never!!! Lol
You don’t need bearing plates you need to pieces of cardboard laying on top of each other under the tire works just fine and it’s free
You're right, Jason. I do mention the same in this series. But, it is still easier than using just cardboard. Thanks!
@@FastMonty You’re right to brother and I see you have all kinds of cool as nice tools real professional appreciate that thanks for the info
True
I bought 8 cheap plastic placemats from the dollar store, the hard plastic ones, not squishy. A little grease between two of them, then place under each tire. Easy and repeatable.