Alignment Explained (+ DIY Guide)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the importance of wheel alignment, particularly for lowered vehicles like the Miata. We will provide a DIY guide to performing an alignment in your garage, including the necessary tools and step-by-step instructions. Understanding alignment will help improve your car’s handling, tire life, and overall driving experience.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before starting the alignment process, make sure you have the following tools:

• String for setting up your alignment reference
• Calipers to measure wheel dimensions
• Camber/Caster/Toe plates for adjusting angles
• Camber bubble gauge to check alignment angles
• Wrenches for loosening and tightening bolts
• Sockets and ratchet for more efficient adjustments

You can find these tools on platforms like Amazon. Here are some links to recommended products:

• String
• Calipers
• Camber/Caster/Toe plates
• Camber bubble gauge
• Digital camber caster gauge
• Wrenches
• Sockets and ratchet

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface to get accurate measurements.
• Check Tire Pressure: Inflate all tires to the recommended pressure. Uneven tire pressures can affect alignment readings.
• Remove Any Load: Take out any heavy items from the vehicle to prevent weight discrepancies.

Step 3: Set Up the Alignment Reference

• String Method:
  • Attach strings to the front and rear of the vehicle, creating a rectangle around the car. Ensure the strings are parallel to the centerline of the vehicle.
  • Use the calipers to measure the distance from the strings to each wheel to ensure they are equidistant.

Step 4: Measure Initial Angles

• Use the camber bubble gauge to check the camber angle of each wheel.
• Adjust the camber/caster/toe plates as necessary to bring the angles within manufacturer specifications.
• Record the initial measurements for comparison after adjustments.

Step 5: Adjust the Alignment

• Camber: Adjust the camber plates to achieve the desired angle. This typically means loosening bolts and sliding the plate.
• Caster: Similar to camber, adjust the caster plates to correct the angle.
• Toe: Adjust the tie rods to set the toe angle. Ensure both sides are equal for proper handling.

Step 6: Re-measure and Fine-tune

• After making adjustments, re-check the angles with the camber bubble gauge.
• Make incremental adjustments and measure again until the desired specifications are met.
• It may take several iterations to fine-tune alignment properly.

Conclusion

Performing a DIY wheel alignment can significantly enhance your vehicle's handling and extend tire life. By gathering the right tools, preparing your vehicle, and following the outlined steps, you can achieve accurate alignment in your garage. Regularly checking and adjusting your alignment can lead to a more enjoyable driving experience. Consider checking your alignment again after any significant changes to your vehicle, such as lowering springs or new tires.