measuring toe

[zerocover]

Ive been told by a friend of mine that you can measure toe using a piece of string. JUst measure the back of the tires vs the front. Supposedly its accurate.

Im thinking of giving this a try. Anyone do something like this?

 

[Mallard]

I did my own alignments all last summer. I used a measuring tape and a line in the tire tread as my point of reference.

 

[iluvmacs]

The tire method is fairly accurate. Make sure you didn't turn the wheels straight without moving the car, because the tread will shift.

I use the outer-most tread, and measure as high as the frame will let me on both sides of the wheel (same height obviously). This is pretty accurate because small degree changes are easier to measure at the outer edge of the wheel than at the hub (like the alignment shop will do).

Use the manual to determine how many turns to fix any problems, and make sure you center the steering wheel while you're at it.

When you make an adjustment, move the car out of the garage and back. Always test with the car supporting it's own weight.