DIY: alignment and wheel balancing

SSSVX · #1 02-09-2005, 06:07 PM

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,

Beav · #2 02-09-2005, 08:39 PM

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...)

lee · #3 02-09-2005, 08:43 PM

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

mbtoloczko · #4 02-09-2005, 11:21 PM

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.

dcarrb · #5 02-10-2005, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mbtoloczko
Nothing out there for DIY wheel balancing.

I've seen El Cheapo bubble-balance rigs in catalogs before (maybe Harbor Freight?), but, geez, man, proper high-speed balancing at most shops is a bargain. Why bother?

dcb

SilverSpear · #6 02-11-2005, 02:19 AM

alignment can be done manually, but wheel balancing, not..

ssnsltd · #7 02-12-2005, 09:41 AM

the bubble level wheel balancer is only good for ~60 mph.

Beav · #8 02-13-2005, 08:49 AM

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.

SilverSpear · #9 02-14-2005, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Beav
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

you can't rely just on your naked eyes to make an alignment for your car, at least you need a measurement tape and a leveler... then the issue is probable...

dcarrb · #10 02-14-2005, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ssnsltd
the bubble level wheel balancer is only good for ~60 mph.

Which makes it essentially good for nothing.

dcb

ssnsltd · #11 02-14-2005, 09:28 AM

Good for nothing?
It makes a great paper weight.

Earthworm · #12 02-15-2005, 12:02 PM

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.

mbtoloczko · #13 02-15-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Earthworm
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.

That's amazing. I wouldn't have thought it was that accurate.

Earthworm · #14 02-15-2005, 02:52 PM

It's not going to be perfect but I've never had to re-balance any tire I've ever done.

oab_au · #15 02-15-2005, 05:13 PM

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.