Does anyone know an easy improvised way to do a front end allignment?  In the next week I will replace my outer tie rod ends and was hoping to get the new ones at least close.  Then I can drive it into town and get a real allignment, providing the rest isn't too worn out.

 

JR

[QUOTE=StreetShark]

Does anyone know an easy improvised way to do a front end allignment?  In the next week I will replace my outer tie rod ends and was hoping to get the new ones at least close.  Then I can drive it into town and get a real allignment, providing the rest isn't too worn out.

 

JR

[/QUOTE]

If you mark the threads with tape or something (I use a hose clamp so it won't move) before you remove them you should be pretty close to the previous alignment after you put the new ends on.

i WAS GOING TO SUGGEST COUNTING THE TURNS AS YOU REMOVE THE OLD ENDS; BUT THE CLAMP SOUNDS BETTER-especially if you aren't able to get back to the job immediately.

I usually count the turns. The clamp idea sounds unique thou. After replacing them and either counting or clamping, mark the center of the tires in front, measure it and roll it till the marks are to the rear. It should have a small amont of toe in, that is the front should be closer than the rear when you measure the marks. Some where around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch.

Dave

Take a tape measure and measure between the inner and outer tie rod studs before you take it a part. Yes I know they are 90 deg apart but it will get you close.

Thanks for the advice, I am running around the western states right now, hopefully this weekend I will be able to replace them and test the clamp, but I will count turns also for comparison.

Thanks,

JR

Counting the number of turns is usually sufficient to get it "close enough" to drive to the alignment shop. However...there are enough differences in the replacement ends to make counting turns off. The number of threads(total) on the new VS. old may not be the same, as some new tie-rod ends are longer/shorter.
Still, it will get you in the ballpark...even the little league ballpark.
Just be sure to drive carefully the first block or so, until you can tell how it is going to steer when you stop.

[QUOTE=suncountry] Take a tape measure and measure between the inner and outer tie rod studs before you take it a part. Yes I know they are 90 deg apart but it will get you close.[/QUOTE]

measure the new tie rod to see if it is the same length as the old one first...

Pick up the front wheels.  Spin them while holding a piece of chalk or other similar marker.  Leave a mark all the way around the tire on both front tires.  Set it back on the ground and roll it back a forth a bit to allow the suspension to settle.

Now use a tape measure and measure the distance between the marks on the front of both tires.  Then measure the back side of the tires.  If they match, you have zero toe adjustment.  If the front is closer you have toe in.  If the back is closer, you have toe out.  Compare the measurements and set it to spec.

Start the engine if you have power steering.  Turn the steering wheel straight and sight down the edges of the front tires.  Make sure they both have the same line of sight to the rear tires.  If not, turn one in and the other out until the line of sight matches.  Then double check that the measurement is still correct.

If you do this VERY carefully, the toe adjustment will be right, the steering wheel will be straight.  The adjustment is done.   If you are not sure go have it put on the alignment rack.  You will probably be very close.  I usually hit it almost exact.

I have done it similar to the way Ken has described, but I use one of the treads of the tire instead of marking it.  If your are doing it by yourself, you can hook your tape measure in one of the treads and measure across the front of the tires, use the same treads and measure across the back.  Adjust until the measurement is the same on the front and back of the tires.  This will get you close enough to get it to an alignment shop.  Take your measurements while the car is on the ground and the suspension has settled as described above.

Steve