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#1
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DIY: alignment and wheel balancing
Just wondering have anyone of you tried done these two things by yourself?
I could find some articles for do-it-yourself on alignment but for wheel balancing it's kind of hard. Is it easy, fun to try these? Thanks,
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-SSSVX 92 LS-L TEAL since Aug '01 92 LS-L YELLOW since Mar '05 |
#2
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If you don't mind risking a $400 or more set of tires go right ahead.
(That's why repair shops spend $40,000+ for alignment machines and tire balancers...)
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ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician w/L1. ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician. Certified EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) |
#3
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could you provide a reference on the articles to look them over?
I could believe a DIY for toe-in, but DIY caster & camber - especially for a 4-wheel alignment - with +/- tolerances of about 0.5 degree, seems almost impossible...but then sure wouldn't be the first time I have done the stuck foot in mouth routine |
#4
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There is some equipment out there that the NASCAR guys use, but its expensive equipment. Much more than what you'd pay for a lifetime of wheel alignments.
Nothing out there for DIY wheel balancing.
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Mychailo :: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ :: 1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold) Visit my locker SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads. |
#5
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Quote:
dcb |
#6
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alignment can be done manually, but wheel balancing, not..
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
#7
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the bubble level wheel balancer is only good for ~60 mph.
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David 96LSi 102k Laguna Blue 95 LS-L AWD, Safety package, 140k Polo Green the Chick Magnet: 91 Justy GL EFI 4x4 154k (new motor @120k) 90 Yamaha V-Max 82 Yamaha XJ650LJ Turbo My Diver Propulsion vehicle: 88 Jeep Cherokee 160k "U-sta-have" 88 XT6 AWD Pearl, 86 XT Lt Blue, 85 XT AWD/4x4 Turbo Space Blue |
#8
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It can all be done at home, it is just a matter of accuracy. Heck, I can eyeball an alignment pretty close without any measuring tools, but if you want optimum life from a set of expensive tires....
There is obviously a reason why repair centers invest so heavily in balance and alignment equipment. How many alignments must a garage do to pay for a $40k alignment rack? Why spend the money if you can do it with a string and a stick? Gee, there must be a reason. C'mon people, get a clue.
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ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician w/L1. ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician. Certified EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) |
#9
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Quote:
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Danny 1994 Silver SVX in hybernation, awaiting for the monsterous awakening (Lebanon) 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Euro Specs, Hard/Softtop, White/Red. Under Complete Restoration 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL350 Euro Specs, White/Red. Mint... Another step into SL Collection. |
#10
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Quote:
dcb |
#11
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Good for nothing?
It makes a great paper weight.
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David 96LSi 102k Laguna Blue 95 LS-L AWD, Safety package, 140k Polo Green the Chick Magnet: 91 Justy GL EFI 4x4 154k (new motor @120k) 90 Yamaha V-Max 82 Yamaha XJ650LJ Turbo My Diver Propulsion vehicle: 88 Jeep Cherokee 160k "U-sta-have" 88 XT6 AWD Pearl, 86 XT Lt Blue, 85 XT AWD/4x4 Turbo Space Blue |
#12
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I've been using a bubble balancer for all my tires for the last 10 years (Justy + SVX). I've had my SVX to 145mph without shaking my fillings loose from poorly balanced tires.
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David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#13
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Quote:
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Mychailo :: 2006 Silver Mitsubishi Evolution 9, E85, 34 psi peak, 425wtq/505whp DJ :: 1995 Laguna Blue SVX L AWD 5MT (sold) Visit my locker SVX Mods: ND iridium spark plugs, Impreza RS fpr, afr tuned to 13.2:1 using a custom MAF bypass, custom exhaust, WRX 5MT w/ STi RA 1st-4th gear & stock WRX 5th gear, Exedy 13 lb flywheel & Sport Clutch, STi Group N tranny & engine mounts, urethane spacers in rear subframe, rear diff mounts, and pitch stopper, SVX Sport Strut Springs (185f/150r), custom 19 mm rear swaybar, urethane swaybar mounts, Rota Torque 17x8", 225/45-17 Proxes 4 tires, Axxis Deluxe Plus organic brake pads. |
#14
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It's not going to be perfect but I've never had to re-balance any tire I've ever done.
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David B. SVXipedia @ SVX-IW.COM -- SVX Information Warehouse 2.0 coming...eventually! Ebony 1992 SVX LS-L 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro 187k miles RIP (Rust In Pieces) 1993 SVX 5 spd Koni/GC Stebro Polyurethane bushings still available! |
#15
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A bubble balancer will only statically balance the wheel. Ok for bikes with narrow wheels. But with wide wheels they can be statically inbalance, but out of balance dynamicly.
Because the out of balance may be on the outside edge and the weights may be on the inside. When the wheel spins the two weight spots try to run in a straight line, causing a wobble, as each weighted spot trys to swing into the center line of the wheel. Which it can only do when it is at the front and back of the steering axis. Harvey.
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One Arm Bloke. Tell it like it is! 95 Lsi. Bordeaux Pearl, Aust. RHD.149,000Kls Subaru BBS wheels. 97 Liberty GX Auto sedan. 320,000Kls. 04 Liberty 30R Auto Premium. 92.000kls. Last edited by oab_au; 02-15-2005 at 05:16 PM. |
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