Camber angle setting

Post by **camper** » 05 Feb 2007, 18:04

Okay i no the basics with regards to caster camber and front wheel alignment .I had this checked and adjusted by a high street tyre and brake centre.There computer print showed the camber angle was out ie in degrees positive camber.They said there would an additional charge to undo the nut and adjust with the concentric washer and long bolt .The Haynes manual explains the procedure but to get a correct angle i would like to no a method .I would like to adjust it my self and was thinking of suspending a plum bob some where on the body close to the wheel to check against while adjusting .Any help appreciated.

Post by **andysimpson** » 05 Feb 2007, 21:35

You had the right idea to start with, get someone with the equipment to set it. It should then go in a straight line, wear tyres evenly, handle properly.

Post by **camper** » 05 Feb 2007, 22:59

I would like to have it adjusted with a garage.The high street tyre and brake replacement outfit who did the tracking. I lost confidence when i caught them jacking the T25 up under the gearbox.I gave them a lecture about basic safety and jacking .They did the tracking but said it would cost £70.00 to undo the camber adjustment nuts and adjust.I was lucky to have no damage done on the gearbox casing .My local VW main dealer who i took my last T25 to have a steering alignment check messed up the caster setting and did not tighten the wheel nuts up.On leaving the main dealer a couple of nuts started rattling in the hub caps so i had a warning.So i am not impressed with getting work done by local garages to me .

Post by **camper** » 06 Feb 2007, 11:24

I may have a go at it like suggested. Only problem is as soon as you change the angle on the caster or camber it effects the geometry.Its getting the starting point right before other adjustments are undertaken.Thats why you need the checks using garage equipment ie laser track.I was looking at http://www.merityre.co.uk/wheel_alignment.htm went there to get the alignment done but was dissapointed as soon as i saw them jack the van up under the gearbox

Post by **toomanytoys** » 06 Feb 2007, 11:39

Only one place to go... Brickworks.... it may or may nor be a trek (dont know where bookham is) but Simon is THE expert on T25's and setting of the suspension geometry....

Post by **camper** » 06 Feb 2007, 12:40

I obtained recently some eurothene replacement steering rack bushes from Simon .After i have fitted them i may consider the trip from Surrey to hudersfield at least the job would be done properly.

Post by **kyleewyleecoyote** » 06 Feb 2007, 13:10

You need to find a tyre/ chassis specialist who can do a 'four wheel alignment', you should find somebody in Greater London. Try some of the rally or Lax Power types of tuners. Found these Guys in Middlesex...

http://www.twmotorinc.co.uk/laser-wheel-alignment.aspx

You shouldn't need to drive the length of the country to find someone capable IMHO.
I also wouldn't advise setting out anthing more than bricks and mortar with plumb bobs and lengths of string.

Post by **camper** » 06 Feb 2007, 14:09

Thanks for the link.When i took the van in for the wheel alignment there was fitter taking the p-----s out the van okay i am diversing.But he could have only just got out of his nappies.It seems there are are lot out there who can only work on eurocars.The impression i got it was because the van was getting on in years why bother about it.If i took it to some one who is established on working on these vehicles on a regular basis its a diffrent attitude.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 06 Feb 2007, 14:57

Thats the point Camper.. Simon knows his eggs and cares...
also I agree with Kyleewylee, you shouldnt have to travel the length of the country.... but sometimes its worth the hassle...

Make a weekend of it...