i came across a topic of checking alignment myself. I read this DIY and http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/a.../alignment.php to me, it doesn't look that accurate but could work. Have you guys ever tried this method to check alignment at home? Right now, i just need to check my rear toe. I wouldn't worry about the camber that much because toe is what gives you uneven wear pattern more.

 

I think it's very accurate but more time consuming, some performance shops still use this method. Like with any machine, there's still some degree of error depending on the user. You'll see some threads here that still have pulling problems after bringing to those shops with sophisticated machines.

I did this DIY after installing my coilovers and also brought my car to an alignment shop to see how I did. I came pretty d@mn close to specs, and I even rushed it and did a half-a55ed job on it. If i took my time and if I leveled the car like it stated, I think I would been on point.

here's others...
http://www.elantraclub.com/forum/ind...ic=15456&st=12

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/c...ide/index.html

 

When i look at my rear wheels up top, it looks like there a lot of toe in. So basically should i use the method that i linked and turn the toe bolts until the wheels are almost parallel or little bit toe in to the strings?

 

Which way do you turn the toe bolt for more TOE OUT?

 

the link you have is the same concept as the ones I've posted also, but not as detailed in photos and procedures.

There's many(and I mean MANY) important things you need to do to set this thing up properly or else your readings will be off.

Just a few things that I think that you should emphasize on when setting up are(everything should be within 1/32", the smallest increment on your measuring ruler, better yet, the smallest increment on the meters side):
1)strings have to be parallel and squared to your car(measured from the center wheel bore hub equally on both sides and on all four wheels).

2)the car itself has to be leveled(use wooden planks and vinyl tiles)

3)you'll need some slip plates(two vinyl tiles sandwiched with grease in the middle) if not, your wheels will not shift freely when adjusting it
due to the friction of the tires and the ground.

4)after making the first adjustment, re-check all the strings(this is the annoying part). The entire car probably shifted due to all four wheels are on the home-made slip plates. That one adjustment on one wheel probably had enough force to make the car shift....yeah it sucks.

5)after all the countless re-measuring, as much as you and I hate bringing your car to a shop, you'll start to wish you should've went to a shop

My plan is to find a way to set up the strings while attached to the car, so when the car shifts, the strings would still be parallel with the center wheel hubs.

 

I don't have to have the friction plate right? I can just check the alignment, lift up the rear, adjust, bring back down and check again. If I have to make the friction plates then I'll just give up lol too much time and effort.

 

don't do any lifting, the suspension extracts and takes a few miles of driving to settle again. But yes, you can just check it. Make sure the strings are squared/parrallel and the car is leveled on wooden planks/blocks(by driving on to them, not by jacking the car up and slipping it underneath the tire)

Also, keep in mind the rear tire is not necessarily lined up with the fender in which is probably making you think that you have a severe toe-in problem. I think this is normal.

 

I didn't know about that suspension settlement. good to know. I cut the spring mount .65 inches but the drop shows me .5 there shouldn't be much of alignment change I hope. I'm gonna go get my alignment checked tomorrow I wish they don't charge me again because I went to get the alignment done 2 months ago.. lol

 

Remember if you bring the camber to less negative, you make the front of the rear tires toe in-a lot! I wrote about this fix. I also do not recommend Mavis for an alignment near me! The guy did not have a frickin clue! AND dented my door on the lift! I will be researching a shop that has seen a G35 rear and a guy that listens to me when I tell him that the cam adj, are not what you use when the arms have the adj! Oh,,a ***, I guess. Also you have to remember that when you get an alignment you have to "square the car up" aka four wheel alignment, and make sure the machine, lift, has swivel plates at the rear! One shop I went to says "sure I can do the car" YEA RIGHT, without rear plates? I think not. I will be putting all these tips etc on my web page when my web designer gets back from vacation, mm what's a vacation?