Alignment Toe

Alignment Toe
Alignment Toe Alignment Toe

Factors To Consider When Buying An Alignment Lift

An alignment lift maximizes productivity for wheel alignment jobs because it has features to make tasks less tedious, such as slip plates and turn plates. Slip plates are required for work on independent rear suspensions, making it possible for them to settle at their normal ride height. Turn plates are used to check caster and toe-out when the wheels are turned to either side.

The turn plates must be flush with the ramps of the alignment lift so that there are no bumps when the car rolls over them. Alignment systems equipped with a 3D camera and wheel-mounted targets require the automobile to roll back and forth to check for wheel run-out. This process is difficult to do if turn plates are raised, causing bumps in the ramps.

When not in use, both slip plates and turn plates must be locked to prevent them from turning. Manual locking mechanisms are hard to use, but on alignment-type lifts, the locking mechanisms are pneumatic. This means plates can be locked and released by the push of a button.

Turn plates made of stainless steel are best, since they prevent corrosion. You will also want to check to make sure the bearings are made of plastic, because plastic bearings are resistant to rusting and won't dent the softer steel ramp if they fail.

Unlike another type of lift, an alignment lift features a drive-on ramp, which means the wheels will be on the ramp at all times. This is a good thing when it comes to aligning wheels, because the full weight of the vehicle must rest on its suspension system, so the wheels cannot be left hanging in mid-air.

Depending on what types of vehicles you will work on, there are various lengths available. Drive-on ramps can be long enough and wide enough to hold light trucks and larger passenger cars or vans. If you decide on an above-ground alignment lift, the ramps must be long enough that the end of the vehicle doesn't scrape when going on and off the ramp. Pickups with extended cabs require even longer ramps, or you could go for a ramp extension.

These are all factors you must take into consideration when buying an alignment lift for your garage or shop. Since an alignment lift is a necessity when doing alignment work, it is important to choose wisely.

About the Author

For more information on alignment lifts and automotive lifts, as well as other garage tools and auto repair equipment, visit Garage Equipment Supply.

How to do rear wheel alignment in a 96 camry?

I am wondering, the 96 camry requires a rear wheel alignment. I manually adjusted the front wheel alignment after changing new struts. I used the method of running a line along the length of car and adjusting the front wheels. I dont know how to align the rear wheel because the rear wheel dont align with the parallel line. There is some toe in.

take the car to an alignment shop and get a 4 wheel alignment as you can't align a car properly at home with a string.