Front Wheel Alignment - Caster, Camber & Toe

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 688

  • @46fd04
    @46fd04 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I have a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. I replaced the two front strut towers today & Im having the front alignment adjusted tomorrow. I know you were bored making the video, but you demonstrated how it's done for the benefit of all of us backyard mechanics. Thank you!

  • @JohnDoesGarage
    @JohnDoesGarage ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I learned how to do alignments in 1984 when I was 24 years old. The shop where I worked sent me to school for a week to learn and they had a Hunter Light Align 2. You had to do the runout adjustments using the bubble indicator on each head, do the caster sweep, calculate how far to move the cams and which way or what shims needed to be added, removed. It was all up to the technician to know what to do and how to do it. Technology sure does make it a lot easier, but doing it old school really helps you understand what the angles do in relationship to each other while a vehicle traveling down the road. Thank you for making this video. I own my own shop but I work alone so I don't have an alignment machine. Too expensive and I'd never do enough alignments to pay for the machine.

  • @michaelcarlson4932
    @michaelcarlson4932 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    And we're still watching. Wish you guys were out in California, I know don't say it, but anyways, repair shops out here make a fricking big deal out of making these adjustments. Thanks

  • @jfv65
    @jfv65 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It might be boring repetative work but i know that abgood alignment gives a very nice customer satisfaction.
    It's quite anoying to drive a car with completely f-ed up alignment so when the alignment shop does a good job correcting everything it will the driving experience so much better. It can actually make the difference between having and enjoying the car.

  • @ml2trick
    @ml2trick 9 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Watched your videos, for quite awhile. I am a 53 year old Marine Mechanic or all around can fix anything type of Guy. But you have the Best Videos and know your Stuff. Thanks for being Honest. Keep up the Good Work. You have seem to have a Nice Family Life.

  • @pauldhennessey
    @pauldhennessey 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good lord. For a winter beater i thought you were gonna show us how to do this with string. Nice video.

  • @fonzo2525
    @fonzo2525 7 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    man,this guy is some kind of mechanic ,always impressed with his knowledge and work,seems to know everything about every kind of issue you may have.

  • @JLE1177
    @JLE1177 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    5 mins in and no info on alignment, and 4 ads? This must be the greatest video of all time. Should be able to open my own alignment shop after this!

  • @CowboyFrankHarrell
    @CowboyFrankHarrell 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow! While the adjustments were pretty much the same, the computer tools are so much different than when I last watched this being done on my dad's car way back in the early 70's. Thanks for showing us.

  • @megaloogy
    @megaloogy 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good video for non shop guys like me. Alignment procedure was pretty much a mystery to me until now. Thanks for posting.

  • @jimlewis1158
    @jimlewis1158 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I know it is a boring job, but it is an important part of automobile maintenance that most people know very little about. Good job Eric!

  • @gregbruha7511
    @gregbruha7511 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you!! .... I just finished replacing a bunch of front end parts in my Chevy truck ... all the other vids I saw on TH-cam where variations of string and other ideas ... I have a much better understanding and appreciation of what is involved now ... my last alignment I had done was on my car and they gave me a nice printout of what the measurements were when it came in and the measurements after it was all "dialed in" ... well worth getting done professionally !! Thank you from Calgary, Alberta :-)

  • @grizzlydan8
    @grizzlydan8 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The last time I did a real alignment there was not a computer in sight. I enjoyed seeing the modern equipment. Thanks again Eric.

    • @600lwp
      @600lwp 6 ปีที่แล้ว

      same here, I used a Hunter Lite-a-line pit machine back in mid 70's

  • @Calico_on_pawz131
    @Calico_on_pawz131 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    John Bean. Used to have a factory in my birthplace, Lansing, Michigan. The building is still there. It has multiple uses. Along the banks of the Red Cedar River, which flows through Michgan State Universitie's campus. I know, blah blah. But hey, I learned the trade on the Lite-O-Line machines. The newbies are light years ahead. Thank you Eric. Good stuff.

  • @1607rosie
    @1607rosie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Understanding how things work is good knowledge. Thanks for letting us come along.

  • @davidgoldberg
    @davidgoldberg 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice alignment rack, technology has really changed since 1970! We used to run them through pretty quickly with the saying "set the toe and let 'her go!".

  • @kurtkennedy5370
    @kurtkennedy5370 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    holy old school alignment machine....Guess I am spoiled with the latest and greatest hunter machine. Pretty cool to see how a different machine works.

  • @andreaechevarria6725
    @andreaechevarria6725 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Never really knew what I was buying when I had my cars aligned. Very informative. Thank you for posting.

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Andrea Echevarria Well it is what you are suppose to be paying for....

  • @MrHeHim
    @MrHeHim 8 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I made the mistake a very long time ago replacing only the "loose" parts, you will soon need to replace the other parts. Its better to replace EVERYTHING, IMO. I made that mistake on my beautiful 88 Turbo Supra some 10 years ago. I replaced one wheel bearing, both the lower ball joints, one upper ball joint, both tierod ends, and one inner tie rod.. felt very good for a year but never like a "new" car which i though was normal. Changed the rest of the parts and it made a world of difference, EXCATLLY like a new car and it felt so much better in tight corners under heavy breaking. On my 2005 S60 2.5t with 190K miles I replaced the wheel bearings, lower control arms, sway-bar links and bushings.. everything. The car was pristine and I let a mechanic friend of mine drive it without looking at the milage (over 200K at the time) and he honestly thought it has about 50K miles on it.
    FYI, during normal driving I almost never step on the gas more than 1/4.. even on a backup beater 95 Civic DX 5 speed I got. Just no need to wear down an engine to "feel" like you're getting somewhere faster. And i drove as a NAPA driver for over a year, 40 hours a week. You have to drive about double the speed limit to pass the lights, otherwise you will almost always catch the light and then granny from the last light will pull up next to you lol. I was 18 and dumb.

  • @kevinwoodcock7578
    @kevinwoodcock7578 8 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The happiest of Mother's day wishes to Mr's O.. Hope you enjoy your day.

  • @jamesedgeley4209
    @jamesedgeley4209 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Best wheel alignment I have ever seen James watched it all the way through thank you

  • @gerardbonus5354
    @gerardbonus5354 7 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just realized how you are such a good car mechanic. Cars are like toys to you after you worked on the monster trucks. ;)

  • @randytingle3413
    @randytingle3413 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    it's satisfying to set it up and make it drive staight down the road

  • @wyattoneable
    @wyattoneable 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That's cool you have access to the alignment machine, and what a machine it is. All the bells and whistles. It's a beauty. And your right, now that I've seen the process I at least know what the technician is doing.

  • @donmappin9821
    @donmappin9821 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good job Eric showing even the mundane side of auto repair!

  • @beerman7079
    @beerman7079 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I do this all day for years now easy money and good money👍

  • @albertchavez2693
    @albertchavez2693 8 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Eric you are a cool and humble young man and I wish you were my go to guy for auto repairs :)))

  • @letsfly7562
    @letsfly7562 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    OMG I’m so glad I live in the desert. 20 year old suburban with 275,000 miles and NO RUST!!! 🌵🌵🌵🌵🌵

  • @davesministry7789
    @davesministry7789 8 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    The fun part of wheel alighnments comes during the test drive, when you find the steering wheel is not straight and you have to start over,FOR FREE>

    • @RideAcrossTheRiver
      @RideAcrossTheRiver 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Every alignment shop I've been to leaves my steering wheel too low on the left.

    • @turbot6592
      @turbot6592 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I went to 5 different alighnment shops and couldn't get my steering wheel straight. Then went to one shop and they got it right. Why these other alignment shops couldn't do what this guy did is beyond me.

  • @Mephiston
    @Mephiston 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You say that this has gotta be one of the most lame-o sma videos but I beg to differ, it is fascinating to watch and really cool to see it adjusting measurements on the fly.

  • @workwithkevin
    @workwithkevin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't agree that video was lame. I found it interesting to see the process. Thank you. I wish I were closer to your shop to help me with my old f150.

  • @arcdraw
    @arcdraw 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This has to be one of my new favorite SMA videos. I always wondered how alinement racks worked. Thanks, Dr. O!

  • @hawaiianf1504
    @hawaiianf1504 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ya know it's 3:15am over here on the island. I tell ya straight ups - these vids are the only reason this old war horse gets up so early. Your Videos Rock!! Awesome!!

    • @hawaiianf1504
      @hawaiianf1504 9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Hawaiian F150 - You would think the owner would want to fork over for new shocks on all four corners or at least up front outta shame. Kinda makes me think that some time soon the one old shock will get beat up by all the new parts and they will kick it to the curb at the most opportune time. "Rebellion".

  • @Nudnik1
    @Nudnik1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rusted bolts make it difficult. New parts made it easy .
    Awesome 👍

  • @JRobert111111
    @JRobert111111 9 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Not a boring video at all! Watched the whole thing and appreciate you taking the time to post!

  • @AntonioClaudioMichael
    @AntonioClaudioMichael 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Never seen it done in detail this video is pretty neat but I do agree with you would be boring doing this every day and that all you would really would be boring being an alignment tech but information was awesome to know

  • @cornwasher
    @cornwasher 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really glad I got to finally see an alignment performed. Didn't realize the level of digital integration used to set the angles. Thanks for the look-see...!

  • @thegoodearth7
    @thegoodearth7 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "At least there's . . . . Well I really can't think of anything interesting about alignments."
    That line was pretty funny! I enjoyed the video.

  • @robertjahrling1877
    @robertjahrling1877 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The shock coming apart
    😂😂
    That happened to me on my Ford Ranger
    I have a few friends that are mechanics and they said they had never seen that happen before you're the second time I've seen it 😂😂

  • @papaowl13803
    @papaowl13803 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Eric, as a mechanic from old school 70's, used an old Hunter. Only then we had magnetic calibrator for each wheel. Used shims, shims and more shims. But I've got to say, I'm really impressed with the machine. Takes all the guess work out. Better alignment to. Taught this old dog a new trick. Thanks Mr O.

  • @garlinwillingham7011
    @garlinwillingham7011 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Eric, another well crafted video. I've wanted to get a look in your Dad's shop and what a nice shop. I don't blame you for not wanting to repair trucks. Man, that is some labor intensive work and on top of it having to put up with truck drivers. Maybe it's just me.

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Garlin Willingham oh and that list goes on

  • @kingtachoss
    @kingtachoss 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Eric for president
    This guy it’s smarter and has more common sense than all our politicians put together.

    • @JOHNMORIN100
      @JOHNMORIN100 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      NOW THAT IS THE TRUTH (GIVE THAT MAN A RAISE)

  • @mr_b22
    @mr_b22 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ahh, A trip down memory lane for me. I spent the 1st two years apprenticing on a Bear alignment rack.
    It is monotonous but my option was the lube rack.
    Spent 43 years as a interprovincial licensed Canadian mechanic, enjoyed almost every minute.
    Your drift to the right is possibly from the rear thrust line position, but you you never spoke of tire pressure or irregular tire wear. My comments aren't a criticism, just an observation. You do a masterful job of bringing weekend warrior mechanics into the reality of professional auto repair and service. Thanks for the memories.

    • @leroybilly9533
      @leroybilly9533 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I dont mean to be so off topic but does any of you know a method to log back into an Instagram account??
      I stupidly lost the password. I would love any tips you can offer me

    • @luiscayden1168
      @luiscayden1168 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Leroy Billy instablaster ;)

    • @leroybilly9533
      @leroybilly9533 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Luis Cayden it worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
      Thank you so much, you saved my ass!

    • @luiscayden1168
      @luiscayden1168 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Leroy Billy no problem =)

    • @floodway2955
      @floodway2955 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I spent four years selling Bear equipment in Canada. Good days.

  • @bmanboogie
    @bmanboogie 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Techs like this one are rare these days. Most techs today will just put it on green and call it a day.
    Last tech aligned my rear toe, although in green, the readings were 0.01 LR and 0.18 on RR. It caused the thrust angle and steering to be tilted. I had to comeback and tell them to even out the rear toe so the the trust angle would center.
    Good job!

  • @rcchar
    @rcchar 8 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Ivan I would love to see you do you String Alignment At SMA and then have Eric put it on the Alignment rack to so how close you are.

    • @tonystewart3053
      @tonystewart3053 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Strings. Hell,,I did the lanterns.. 🏖

    • @luislange3241
      @luislange3241 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Y un yo yüd grr ddtsdgdhghd tu sgdssygdh tu gd your su try hddghsgydgdygydgdy tu s tu s tuyo ryyFrye faith rayo ra rayo rata te tu dad farreara te ryuetrututu rara utiru it if faritiuuyu fat iuryurgúrhuuty starts yuyuu ratas urutuu fat dad ruti RSS Ute it high-five it utiyruyuu fat te jays ryfuityuyruyruruuyuryruyruyuyruuryrururuyuruyurtuyrruyruuyuyuyuyuruuryuyuuyruyruyruuyutriyuryuuryuyuyuryurtruruyuyruruyuruuyuryuryuyurruuryuyuyruyuyuyruruyuyuryruruyuyruyuuyuyruyuryuyuryuryuuyuryuyuyuyruyururuyuyuyuryruyruyruruyruyruruuruyuryurruyuyuyutiyuyuuryurruyuruyuyfuturtruturtruruyrutruruuyuyruyruyuyuyruyruyuryuryuryurruyurruyruyuyuyuyurututruturrituryuryruyruruturutrurutuyuyurruuryruruyuyruruyuyuryuryruruyuuryruyuryruyruyuryuryruruyuryuryruyruyruyuryuryuyuryuryruyurruyuyuuryruyruyruruuyuyuyruyruyruyurruyruyurruyuuyuryuyuyuryuyuyuyruyururyuyururuyuryurruyuyuyuyruyruyruyurruyuryurruyuyuyruyurruyuryurruyuruyurruyruyruruyuyruruyuryuryurruruyuuryuryruyuyuryuryurruyuruyruyruyuyuuryruyruyuryruuryruyuyuyuyruyruruyrururuyruyuyuyuuyuyruyuuruyuyruyuyuryruyruyruuyruyuuryruyurruuryuyuyuryruyuyuyuruyruruyurruyuyuyuyuyuyuryruyuryruruyuyuyruyuryruruyuyuuryuyuuuryuyruuyuruyruyuryuryuryuryurruyuyuyuyruyuryurruyuyuruuyuyuryuryurruyuruyruyruruuuruyruyruyurruyuryruyurruyuryruyuryruyruruuryuyuyruyruyruruyruuryruruyuyuyuryruruyuruyurruruuryuyuryuryuryuryurruyuyuuryruyuryuyuyuyuyuryuryruyruyurruruuyuruyuryurruyuyuruyuururyruruyruyuuryruyruruyruruyruyruyruyruyruruuryuyruyruyurruruuryruyruyuryurruuryuyrururuyuyuyuyuuryruyruyruyurruyuyuryuryuyruyuryurruyuyuyuyuuryuryruyruyuryuyutirtruturtruturturturturtuurtututrutruruututurturtruruuyuuryruruuryuyuuuyruyuyuyuyryruyruyurruruyuruyuyuyruruyuyuuguyuyruyuyuyuruyuryruyuruyruyurturtruturtrutrutruturtrutrururutrururututruutuurtutrututuurtutututurtutrututuruturturturtuyruyuyruruuryuuryuryurturruyuyuyuyuyruyuyuyuyururuyuyuuurruyuyuyuuryuuryuryuyuruyruyurruyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuyuryuyuyuyuyuyruruyuyuyuyuyuyuryuyuyuuryurruuryuyuyruyuyuyuyuyuyruyuyuyruyuryuryuyuyuyuyuyurruyuuryuyuyuyuyuuryuruyuyrururuyuyuyuyuyuruyuryuyuyuuryuyuuryuyuyuyuyuyuuryuyuyuuyuyuyuuryuuryuyuyuyuuryuyuruyuuuyuyruruuyuruyuur

  • @MikeM-of2if
    @MikeM-of2if 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never a boring video with ya! Always learning something!

  • @altonbarbee8864
    @altonbarbee8864 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have been an alignment tech for about 27 years and alignments are still my favorite. I do now get an occasional brake job or suspenion repair. I am just learning some engine diagnostics and have learned much from your channel. Thanks

    • @joseacoronado9435
      @joseacoronado9435 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      How long will it take to do camber/caster and toe alignment if all parts are new?
      Do you need all 4 guide pins to adjust camber/ caster on a Cadillac escalade esv?

  • @thomasstreetman8066
    @thomasstreetman8066 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Whoa! Look at all the room in that shop! In the words of Napoleon Dynamite, I'll say, "Lucky!"

    • @JOHNMORIN100
      @JOHNMORIN100 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      LUCKY YOU SAY ----- HEY SOMBODY THOUGHT IT AND THEN DID IT... 100 POINTS.

  • @mikeoden4179
    @mikeoden4179 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never seen how these newer machines worked so I like the video

  • @Micko350
    @Micko350 7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Eric over the ditch here we use 'occy straps' to hold the heads on the wheels, especially useful when the car has really expensive Billet Wheels & you can't crank on the handle & get them tight as they will scratch the rims!

  • @scrimmy6969
    @scrimmy6969 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Another excellent video!! Thank you sir for all you do. Jim

  • @richmac918
    @richmac918 8 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    Great video. Really impressive piece of equipment, what did that baby cost? As a mechanic you might consider this boring but for us that don't have experience doing front end alignments I found it very informative and interesting. Thanks again and great job.

    • @Toyotas_n__Tools
      @Toyotas_n__Tools 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      about $19.95 a week for 15 years!

    • @mikestoms4015
      @mikestoms4015 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      60 grand for a Hunter alignment rack

  • @dmope22
    @dmope22 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. I now understand a whole lot more about alignment. I wonder why alignment shops near me can't get my mountaineer aligned right. Ah well. thanks for making this video.

  • @mikechiodetti6737
    @mikechiodetti6737 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Alignment specialists know what they're doing, have to make changes, sometimes finding a vehicle that needs frame straightening. I saw that at the shop I worked at several times.
    THAT'S not fun. Great Video!

  • @bryanfugate2272
    @bryanfugate2272 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Eric: Great Video. The detailed explanation was very informative. While there no Thor sightings or use of flames, you did have your usual sightings of lovely New York rust... Still a great video.

  • @chrisfreemesser5707
    @chrisfreemesser5707 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome...I've never seen how an alignment is actually done. Now I understand why it costs what it does.

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +Chris Freemesser Yep that is the long and short of a basic alignment

  • @beaver528
    @beaver528 ปีที่แล้ว

    May seem lame to the guys doing this stuff but good alignment makes the vehicles drive nice and give good tyre wear, very important to owners. Thanks for the video.

  • @herbsft.thehdr1700
    @herbsft.thehdr1700 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just started at an alignment shop after 5 years of paint and body . You may have just saved my ass . I never did suspension work before this. My boss owns both shops and started me at the alignment shop knowing i have no experience. This video helped quit a bit , but I wish you would have shown the exact places to find all the cam bolts while you were adjusting them . Rather than before you started the adjustment. All in all you helped me understand a lot more than I’ve been taught in 2 weeks. Thank You

    • @randytingle3413
      @randytingle3413 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      how's it going now?'i bet you can align em in your sleep by now

    • @herbsft.thehdr1700
      @herbsft.thehdr1700 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@randytingle3413 damn right my dude. !!

  • @ernesthigbee8756
    @ernesthigbee8756 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good Video's watch all ... own two old chevy's 03-S-10, 05-Safari...both 4.3's go fig... Great explaining the Tech- without getting complicated. Keep it simple and clean.

  • @alanryderb
    @alanryderb 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    you might think its straight forward Eric but it was still an interesting video. Thanks

  • @larrysimmons6082
    @larrysimmons6082 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not boring at all watch the whole thing like most your videos. !

  • @stanleycieszkiewicz8642
    @stanleycieszkiewicz8642 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for taking time on Saturday to do this

  • @OOZ662
    @OOZ662 9 ปีที่แล้ว

    It might be old hat for you, but it's certainly interesting to those of us that rarely see under the body of cars outside of TH-cam. Thanks for taking the time; I always wondered the basics of how it's done and what moves where.

  • @mattr7715
    @mattr7715 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video!!! Im Taking my 98 c1500 for an alignment.... replaced both inner and outer tie rods, pitman arm, idler arm and housing.... took awhile... I couldn’t separate the idler arm from center link, lol... anyways, replaced it also... it’s nuts and bolts and torque specs...

  • @walkingman9171
    @walkingman9171 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sure wish I worked on a machine like that when I was in the business 20 years ago instead of that "light a line" crap machine. Another great video, neat to see the modern technology as well.

  • @brianburns7211
    @brianburns7211 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I liked your explanation of the effects of the road crown. I thought that my truck was off, and discussed it with my tech. He said all was good. We had the same discussion about the road crown.
    I go into Quebec for work frequently. I don’t see it so much these days, but it times past, drivers would ride the crown. This would be on the autoroutes, which are like our interstates.

  • @gregrobinson9827
    @gregrobinson9827 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    you are a technical genus I have enjoyed your videos learned a lot from them!

    • @bobjohnson205
      @bobjohnson205 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not only that, but he's a technical genius, too! lol

  • @vernonrice3539
    @vernonrice3539 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm sure alot of people would agree the same on meeting your dad. It would be nice to have him talk on how he got started there and move to the bigger shop and all. I lime to hear stories on how people got started doing what they love to do.

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well that can't happen now. He passed away.

    • @vernonrice3539
      @vernonrice3539 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@SouthMainAuto Im sorry for your loss mr.E. my dad passed away in 2015.

  • @wgmskiing
    @wgmskiing 9 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have a box full of homebrew tools to do wheel alignments. I'm detail oriented and I feel confident in the results when I'm done. But it takes me 3 or 4 hours to do a 4 wheel alignment with setup and so on. LOL. So I usually gladly pay someone to do this.

  • @danekeeper1
    @danekeeper1 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I noticed that the Hi pro truck you are working on didn't have much camber, I would have plugged in about 3 deg neg camber in the front and rear for taking those hi speed corners, plus I would have taken all the caster out for a really fun time going fast...puts a smile on my face with 0 castor.

  • @localcrew
    @localcrew 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I usually take my truck(s) to an old-school alignment shop that does big trucks and they have a totally old-school setup. The tech (who is a friend of mine) starts by jacking up the front end and spraying paint on the centerline of the tires. Then he has a pair of cutting wheels on a rack and he moves them to where they align with the center of the tread and cuts a small groove into the tire tread. The rest is like black magic to me but it gets the job done. He also has hydraulic benders to tweak the solid axles and radius arms on trucks to change camber and caster. He says that sometimes he puts them on big truck axles and leaves them there for a half-hour or so to let the axle settle in. The axle will heat up and paint will sometimes flake off as the steel bends to the will of the presses.
    Then the truck drives down the road straight -- compensated for road crown, of course.
    Good video. Increases my understanding of the subject immensely. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

  • @jimmaas4841
    @jimmaas4841 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Field Trips are always fun when learning something new! Thanks for the tour around the alignment machine.

  • @triggeral
    @triggeral 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you for taking the time to show us. Great video!!

  • @camshaftP16
    @camshaftP16 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice to have a look at your dads/brothers shop, nice size. all a bunch of wrench turners eh. I prefer the big iron over the small any day, but it's just what ever your use to working with I guess. Great vid, thanks

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +camshaftP16 My other brother owns a shop too :)

  • @badboyee2hotmailcom
    @badboyee2hotmailcom 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the video. I understood what each measurement meant (caster, camber and toe) but had not seen the process of aligning a vehicle before.

  • @toyotatechMDT
    @toyotatechMDT 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That machine is way better than ours! I'm bored stiff doing alignments, service manager loves them though! £££/$$$! They're as interesting as putting cherries on cakes....wait, cakes are delicious, I'm off to get cake. Nice video.

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  9 ปีที่แล้ว

      +Toyota Tech if he thinks they make $$ then he is obviously nuts haha, you can make ten fold the profit doing a mindless brake job...or tires

    • @toyotatechMDT
      @toyotatechMDT 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      +South Main Auto Repair He's a service manager, of course he's nuts! It's imperative every job gets an alignment at 0.8 labour, until the machine breaks, then it's no longer imperative at all because the call out is expensive! Joy joy!

  • @hllywd964
    @hllywd964 9 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent video Eric! Your brothers/dads shop is huge!

    • @dc5723
      @dc5723 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +hllywd964 You said it, man there' tons of space. I could only dream of ever working in a space like that. If I had a shop like that, I'll put a TV, recliner, fridge and my wife and son will hardly see me.

    • @hllywd964
      @hllywd964 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      +RareDiamond Ching yeah...that shop looks like an airplane hanga!

    • @KWsandman
      @KWsandman 8 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's huge but fills up quick with just a couple trucks

  • @AlxN52
    @AlxN52 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Im glad you made this video there’s not that many alignment videos for demonstrations. Keep it up and bring more. from a fellow technician

  • @JOHNMORIN100
    @JOHNMORIN100 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    THAT WAS AWSOME 1000 POINTS Mr. Magoo in Milo, Maine (THANK YOU)

  • @johneagle7842
    @johneagle7842 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    i've watched most of your video's and yes i am doing my car myself,uh-oh,lol,which brings me to the part about the steering wheel,back in the younger days my brother's worked on cars,and they would have parts left over,or as they said ''spare parts''. and when it came to the crooked steering wheel they would pull it off and center it and put it back on making it looked like it came from an alignment shop. ( but it still pulled to the side if you let your hands off the steering wheel,lol) you and the family have a good day eric. later.

  • @michaelszweda
    @michaelszweda 9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great video eric i use the same machine at work you are correct same thing evertime

  • @Geordo1960
    @Geordo1960 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never ever seen you do a lame video, I am fully entertained and fascinated by this one Eric!

  • @Tedybear315
    @Tedybear315 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Used to do these all the time with the old "Bear Bubble Alignment Rack". Nothing more fun then measuring tapes and bubble levels...LOL

  • @DPhippsActual
    @DPhippsActual ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Alignment 101....thanks for the video!

  • @lvsqcsl
    @lvsqcsl 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dang, all I have is my old Kwikeze Magnetic Gauge and an old towing bar. Great video!

  • @joseibarra125
    @joseibarra125 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It may seem trivial to you but these videos really help someone learning about alignment, Thanks!

  • @tomduncan1970
    @tomduncan1970 7 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent Video. I have always wondered exactly what was needed to be done. Thank You!!

  • @jimcavanaugh6074
    @jimcavanaugh6074 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am new to this channel. Thank you. This and all your videos are well done. In the mid 1980's i worked at shop while I was in college. I was the alignment guy. It seemed i had the patience for dialing in the measurements. The wheel mounted heads had to have the runout removed manually. Also the machined used light reflecting against wheel mounted "flags" with numbered - graduated scales for toe. Caster / Camber was measured with a bubble in water similar to a carpenters level. Brings back some memories.

  • @RalphRotten54
    @RalphRotten54 9 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for the effort to show. Good vid!

  • @crapper1
    @crapper1 9 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    its quite cool never before seeing how its done very educational for sure to us who dont have a nice shop that has all this cool equipment

    • @SouthMainAuto
      @SouthMainAuto  9 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      +crapper1 Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @tomoakhill8825
    @tomoakhill8825 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. I have never ever seen an alignment, so to me this is as far from "lame" as it gets. Yes, I really wanted to see this. Just loved seeing it.

  • @jeffjankiewicz5100
    @jeffjankiewicz5100 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice info for us backyard mechanics. I realize that we can not perform this service, but it`s still nice to know what it entails. Thanks for filling in the blanks Eric. You post it, I will watch it...I`m 62 and still learning every day. Thanks again.

  • @cmclaughlan01
    @cmclaughlan01 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I'm an alignment tech. With my alignments I generally dont set them to spec. And I've found that I get better tyre wear and better handling. But that is road crown and driving condition specific.

    • @neekopeeko9054
      @neekopeeko9054 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's the problem I'm having. Ever since the Toyota dealer messed with my Tundra alignment I've been unhappy. Brought it to 3 different alignment shops since. And all I ever get is "EVRYTHING IS IN THE GREEN". Good for you thinking outside the box.

    • @syntheticvi
      @syntheticvi ปีที่แล้ว

      What’s road crown

    • @PhoenixUnlimited
      @PhoenixUnlimited ปีที่แล้ว

      @@syntheticvi the slight pitch they put on the roads to get them to drain off to avoid pooling/ hydroplaning.

  • @777fuzzypeach
    @777fuzzypeach 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    That is a massive shop and very impressive! Mac tools found there as well!

  • @watermanone7567
    @watermanone7567 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video. I really like to see the wrenching. Thanks

  • @JamesAutoDude
    @JamesAutoDude 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you. I mainly wanted to understand what I pay for when I have an alignment done lol

  • @jeffryblackmon4846
    @jeffryblackmon4846 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    That machine is 10X the technology over the ones I used in the '70s. I like it.

    • @bcmfarmsllc8103
      @bcmfarmsllc8103 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The old string or light machines!

    • @binzsta86
      @binzsta86 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Was it the eyeball method back then?

  • @_ckr
    @_ckr ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank You SMA, I found this video very interesting.

  • @MrTimdtoolman1
    @MrTimdtoolman1 8 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great job walking through the alignment process.

  • @thenormalyears
    @thenormalyears ปีที่แล้ว

    This video is great since my shop hasn’t really taught me how to do alignments