DIY Car Alignment
A big myth within the automotive community is that wheel alignment must be done by a professional. While the more complex aspects of wheel alignment indeed must be done by a professional, you yourself can check some alignment specifications yourself. In order to protect yourself from being overcharged by automotive mechanics, you should learn as much as possible about how to fix your car yourself. This article is intended to teach readers how to check their car's toe-in and camber themselves.
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Instructions
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Toe-In
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Check your car's service manual for its acceptable toe-in range. A good tip-off that the car's toe-in is off is a sawtooth wear pattern that is equal on both tires. If the tread blocks point toward the car's frame, then most likely the toe-in in the car is too much. Conversely, if the tread blocks point away from the frame, then there is too much toe-out.
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Park your vehicle on level ground with all tires straight ahead and the steering wheel centered. Jack one of the front wheels up on a jackstand.
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Spray-paint a stripe on the tire's tread by spinning the tire while continuously spraying in one spot.
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Etch a line in the tire by spinning the tire, then holding a nail up to the part that is spray-painted.
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Repeat on the other side of the car.
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Measure both the front and back from each nail line on each tire with a tape measure. Compare the two to find the toe.
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Adjust the tie-rods on each side of the tire until the tire is within spec.
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Torque the adjuster-sleeve nuts back to factory specifications to finish the toe-in adjustment.
Camber
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Camber is the measure of the tire's lean in degrees. A tilt inward indicates a negative camber, while an outward tilt indicates positive camber. A good indicator that camber is out is if the car pulls to one side.
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Park the car on level ground and center the steering wheel just the way it was when you checked the toe-in.
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Place a straightedge across the wheel and use an angle finder to reveal the camber.
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A good indicator that camber is out is if the car pulls to one side. Generally, the side with a more positive camber is the side that the car will pull to. Vehicles with adjustable camber that needs repair need shims to be added between the control arms and frame and turning cam bolts. It is best to let an alignment shop do these repairs.
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Tips & Warnings
If any parts need to be added, or if you find the camber is out of alignment, take the car to a professional automotive mechanic's shop.
