DIY: front end alignment...toe-in...

[IndyFetch]

Nice attitude. This is supposed to be a friendly forum.

Is there any way to measure the distance between the two beams at known points? In other words, measure the width between the two beams at 5 feet and again at 10 feet, then figure the difference between the width of the beams. Seems easier than measuring at the convergence point.

Note: I am making a suggestion that is meant to be helpful. Masster, if you cannot handle others' opinions, suggestions, and-- God forbid-- even mistakes, then you should not be here.

[GasSavers_Erik]

I just replaced an inner tie rod end on my 94 accord on Sat. Here's how I set the toe back where it was supposed to be.

With the car on a flat concrete surface and the steering wheel straight, place stick pins (sewing type pins) firmly into the tread on the rear of each front tire (not too deep) about 6 inches above the ground (use a 6 inch object to get the height the same on both sides). Carefully measure the distance between the pins with a steel measuring tape- pull the tape super tight when you take the measurement (it is a lot easier/faster if you have a helper). Now slowly roll the car forward a few feet until those same pins are now positioned on the front sides of the tires about 6 inches above the ground (any higher and your tape will likely hit the frame). Measure the distance the same way as before and adjust the tie rod length until the two measurements are correct for the toe specs of your vehicle (luckily my accord was supposed to be 0 inches so I didn't have to do any fancy math to convert degrees to fractions of an inch).

I used this same method when I replaced the inner tie rod end on the other side about 20K miles ago and I can't tell any difference in the depth of the tread (the tires are wearing very slowly).

[ZugyNA]

I've tried several methods...tape measure...the flimsy thingy that JCWhitney sells...but since you are dealing with very close measurements...nothing much works very well. You are talking 1/16" or so.

Was having my car aligned and the guy mentioned someone who used a laser to do his toe and he got it right on...thought about it and found a method.

Most vehicles have the frame of the car below the axle center...making using a tape pretty hard to do...tires treads are not that accurate...and even if you can manage it...you need help.

IMO...using a laser can give results comparable to an alignment machine...if you watch what you are doing.