How to Wheel Alignment?

[AJ Fresh]

Hello everyone, I have been reviewing videos on wheel alignment. There are plenty of explanations of camber, caster and toe, and how to measure them, but few demonstrations on how to adjust them, like about none that I can find.

Adjustment Order
Is there a standard order for adjusting alignment like caster first, then camber, and toe?

Easiest method for adjusting alignment?
Like other car systems, there are several variations of suspension systems. In my case, my 92 Accord CB7’s caster is adjustable via shims, the camber is adjustable via… not sure since my service manual only gives a spec for camber angle and says nothing at all about how to adjust it, but it does have an upper control arm, and toe via rotating the inner tie rod arm.

My question is if anyone knows of an easiest method for adjusting these things. As of now, it looks like I need to jack up the car, adjust camber/caster/toe, put it back on the ground, resettle the suspension, and recheck alignment. Are there any easier methods than this?

Measuring Toe
How do I check toe angle? My Honda SM states toe “0mm +/- 3mm”. 0mm from what? I know in my case it means parallel to each other but if it actually stated “3mm”, what would I be measuring from? I have seen the string method for toe where the string is measured out equidistant from the center of the rear wheel and center of the front wheel, then adjusting the inner tie rod until the front and back of the front rims are equidistant from the string. That would be 0mm/0deg, but if the spec was anything else, I would be lost.

PS This toe alignment method works if your rear wheels are supposed to be out the same width as the front and they are aligned properly. How is that checked

Appreciate any help, thanks in advance

Topic

[Jason White]

You need training: http://www.hunter.com/training

[Dave]

I would suggest looking for more training. If you look harder you should be able to find some better explanation of adjustments. I assume you are questioning the practicality of DIY adjustments. As for your Honda the camber is not adjustable if it is out of spec look for and replace bent or worn, loose components. They provide caster adjustment to possibly compensate for pull and it is adjusted by adding or removing shims in between the control arm and radius rod. The problem is that there is no simple DIY way to measure the caster. So for last you could check toe with the string.
On a front wheel drive you prefer toe out so you would adjust until you had 1mm more clearance between the string at the rear of the wheel as compared to the front of the wheel. That would give you 2mm total toe out. Or zero would work if you had previous issues that you corrected and want to just minimize tire wear until you can take it to an alignment shop.
Now as general procedures: Replace your worn parts, free up your hardware but be careful not to change any adjustments while doing so.
Put the vehicle down measure camber and caster if you have the equipment.
Adjust camber first typically, Re measure, adjust caster, adjust camber and re measure.After either camber or caster adjustment you have to put the vehicle back down, bounce it and recheck. Then set toe last, road test, make sure your steering wheel is centered.If not re adjust and recheck.
Note you need tools, some sort of slip plates for toe or other adjustments. You need some sort of level bubble or measuring gauge for camber, you need a caster camber gauge to measure caster. To set toe you need some sort of toe gauge, toe plates or string set up and metal ruler.
Please note I intended above only for information purposes use at your own risk. I would recommend if you do not have any of the tools or do not understand how any of the improvised tools or techniques are used it is best to take it to alignment shop or seek the help from someone who can show you how to do it safely and correctly.

[Author]

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