Front End Alignment Made Easy

An easy how to video showing you how to do a front end alignments your self. How to was done on a ford mustng but this can be used on any style vehicle.

[@Boats29]

Its funny how many people commented you need to take it to a shop this isn't the proper way too do it blah blah. You're missing the whole point of the video lol. Its to get it good enough to drive it to the alignment shop after doing suspension work.

[@Thefabforums]

its about time someone gets it!

[@markmorris6208]

Justin Bowtell I wish it was that easy I know I can do the same without there fancy laszer

[@markmorris6208]

The Fab Forums Bro I learned the hard way , fuck qa1 Moser an maximum I can set anything with 2 blumbob a center point

[@brkooduh66]

agreed and I like the idea, but the description should say "front end toe adjustment made easy" not alignment. alignment includes caster and camber

[@bremCZ]

If you cant get it straight enough to drive the few miles to the shop by eye you shouldn't be driving because you are blind.

[@peewee7405]

This is a great video and this works very well. I helped my dad do this method 40 years ago, worked then, works now. People quit being so serious over every little thing. When you grow up poor you learn different ways to do things that work. He tells you that it's temporary until you go get an alignment. Appreciate learning something new.

[@robertdomina3643]

very true but camber with a level he missed

[@dallascowboys1683]

I agree. Not to get off of subject, but I’ve got an older K member on my 86 mustang and it pushed the front wheels forwards and my wheels rubbed my lower front spats. I used some turnbuckles and had to trim a little to get the right clearance. My front tires are 26x7x15 Micky Thompson. But I posted this too help others in this situation and I thought that I was going to get crucified! My career is precision machining, welding, and grinding. I design ASME section 8 pressure vessels. It’s just crazy how people get way to serious about building and fabrication of restoring cars. It’s a hobby! Have fun, go fast and keep it simple!

[@Randy-dm5tg]

I do my own as well and never go to alignment shop. Never have had any problem with my tires wearing funny either. If it's off a hair I can adjust in small increments till it's perfect. Had aligned before and it was off from the shop. I fixed it.

[@54ssmk5hd]

Finally understand the string and the rear/front measurement relationship. Have watched several other presentations but you nailed it...kept it simple. Thanks!

[@murffyslaw001]

After reading a mess of forums, and watching several videos, got to give you a 👍 for keeping it simple and clear! Thanks!

[@dirt3387]

I would just like to say Thank you. I learned this many years ago and forgot all about it. Was scratching my head trying to remember how we used to do it and I stumbled on your video. Nice work. Now my truck is aligned better than when it left the alignment shop that uses laser hunter equipment

[@dallascowboys1683]

This had been my go to method for years for front end alignments. Good looking mustang!

[@johnargue2977]

I like the video. I do car alignments at a shop everyday. This seems accurate enough.

[@Thefabforums]

john argue thanks

[@wseeback]

I just bought an old Explorer that needed outer tie rods, ect. Replaced all but wheel bearings. Took it to a "major" place, and they wouldn't touch it cuz wheel bearings still sloppy. Dicks! So I found ur vid. Worked like a charm! Thank you!

[@Thefabforums]

wseeback Glad I could help...

[@johnnygalvan1344]

Out of all the videos I have seen on do it yourself alignment you made it the most simplest easiest way ever, everyone doesn’t wrap the string all the way around like you did and that way your way is so much better and easier ‘ you be the man

[@aaronmckenzie1848]

Awesome video I wanted to put this to the test so I did it just how u suggested and just to be safe got it aligned anyways... He was impressed how close I got it he didn't even charge me.. Anyways because of people like u making these videos I've saved over 20k so thank u very much and keep making videos

[@d.d.soprano2207]

Thanks for the practical help. Great video with easy and clear instructions.

[@thegreatpatsy]

This method works perfectly. I've done both my Porsche Panamera and my 944 with no issues. Tires have never worn unevenly and for over 5 years now.

[@thps8931]

Great video. Thank you for uploading!

[@jtscg49]

Tried other string methods that were monotonous, Nailed it first time with your string method, straight down the road! Greatly appreciated, Thank You

[@Thefabforums]

no problem...gald it worked for you

[@McCall72]

2 different alignment shops couldn't align my 72 Monte Carlo. Tried this and it worked like a charm. Thanks for the video.

[@Thefabforums]

McCall72 Thats awesome. I love to hear this kind of stuff, it negates all the haters.

[@tonyhouk9047]

Just got this recommended. Many, many thanks to you, The Fab Forums!!!! Will help to relight my Trailblazer after I put the oil pump back in. Tony

[@traetuusplays8987]

Great video, all I say is, once front and back measurements are equal, pull the front measurement inwards about a 1/4" to account for forward momentum that pushes them outwards. That should make them equal when actually driving. If they are equal at a stop, when you accelerate they will bow out about a 1/4" and cause more trouble. Do it this way, no shop or guages needed.

[@Fosgen]

Truth. Toe in cause least stress on bearings in front, reason is explained above.

[@TyzFix]

it depends on front/back wheel drive: most passenger cars are front wheel driving and the wheels should be toe-out during static.

[@charlesbrown3648]

@@TyzFix thats weird. i was gonna comment to set at 1/8" toe in. I'm old, front wheel drive is new. makes sense,rear wheel drive pushes out,frontweel drive pulls in.

[@andrewshedron425]

Toe in helps return to center after making a turn. Front wheel or rear wheel drive makes no difference. They both have the same front wheel bearing.

[@911Fuser]

I've done it this way before I go to the shop just to see how accurate it is and it's always on spec. The last time the car drove better this way than with an actual digital alignment. The guys left the steering wheel crooked and pulled nasty to the right. My way it went perfectly straight and the steering wheel was also straight.

[@artman102]

That is an interesting comment. Many years ago I would take my cars to the same shop, I knew the mechanic by name. Anyway, I notice afterward that my car puled a bit to the right on a flat roadway. The next time I took my car for alignment, I stayed and watched what he was doing. He was telling me each step and then mentioned, " I like to move this a bit this way so if the driver falls asleep at the wheel then the car will go to the right instead of into oncoming traffic". It sounded like a nice thing to do, but I told him, " just adjust it so the car goes perfectly straight, I won't be sleeping at the wheel".

[@sahejahanmaunhoo2558]

Car Technicians now a days rely on electronic devices and computers due why ! Because most cars are computerise and intelligent now a days.Garages invest millions for our safety on road or explain the problem which can cause by a non alignment ,camber and caster wheel and how the car will behave in a such situations ect.I 100% agree that we should not forget how to use or do it as old school time, Yes it work for cars with less electronic devices and sensors on board,those with will detect the faults and have to reset it after performing a repair or replacement..Thank you for sharing your video and time to show the technical way for doing it without electronic devices,this will work for cars with less features,but as temporary repairs obviously and after get it done by Specialist Technicians with advanced technology equipment, to do the Car model make ect specifications Toe in or Toe out ,camber and caster .Then the wheel ,tyres and car will run safely and last longer.

[@bikeattilathehun3382]

Helpful video ! I'm about to do front shocks, ball joints and hub assemblies on my 2003 F-250. And will do alignment your way. Thanks for putting this out for us KZbin mechanics !

[@ronaldnunn7635]

Just installed new outers and inner tie rods in my 240sx alignment was so bad couldn't even get the car out the drive way followed this video and it was right on the money thanks guys

[@Thefabforums]

Sweet..glad I could help

[@jerrycain6404]

You are no dummy, nascar teams use this at the track for many years. Simple, fast, easy. Kudos to you.

[@Thefabforums]

Yeah its not perfect but it can get you close when in a pinch

[@williambutler3204]

thank you sir, I was taught a lot different way using masking tape across the front and back of the tire, that way took a lot of work, your way was easy peasy so cool right on and a big high five.

[@cecil6711]

Great idea on a much needed topic. Thanks for the video.

[@Thefabforums]

thank you for the positive feed back...glad I could help

[@Thefabforums]

Right on...glad I was able to help you out.

[@backwoodscountry6040]

Thank you very much! That’s the simplest way I’ve ever seen to do it. I’m going to start doing it your way

[@mr.seymouripresume2873]

I am familiar with several ways to do diy alignments. This way is a new one for me. Good job bro. Thank you.

[@randypatterson5305]

awesome dude that was the way my grandpa did it have no debt for years thank you very much for sharing

[@niteblaster1]

This does not work think about it the rear wheels are not aligned so how can you align the front

[@coccinelle78]

Thats how i aligned my car,exept i toe in each front tire 1/16" And for camber u use plumb bob string from ceiling and measure from plumb bob string to top and bottom of tire, (make sure car is sitting perfectly level first) I never even thought about that method for drag racing,,cool to know,,,,good video

[@Thefabforums]

Manon Richer Thanks...I also used a plumb bob to get camber close.

[@Flash635]

You can get a plumb app for your smart phone to. It will read degrees.

[@Thefabforums]

Sweet, I have not thought about that.

[@macmaccourt]

YAY!! Thank you!! THAT WORKED WELL!!

[@friskydingo9896]

Thanks for the vid, always wondered what the "STRING METHOD" was. Simply explained! 👍👍👍

[@dawnsmith1131]

That is so nice to know about the streng for the tires for people that does not have a lot of money thanks

[@linieperson]

You are the freaking man! Thanks Bro.

[@JreUK]

thank you best diy alignment video by far.

[@Thefabforums]

thanks for the feedback

[@badgn2002]

Excellent! Thanks for taking the time to show us.

[@Thefabforums]

No problem

[@eldabasa]

Just like old days ,ive been looking for it for a while thanks

[@mcphotolock1]

cool man, that was exactly what I was looking for. great video.

[@scottkolaya2110]

One extra thing to check is the distance between the 2 strings in the back of the car and make it equal to the distance between the 2 in the front making sure the strings are parallel. You need 4 jack stands for this. I have a VW Golf MK4 series and you can't just put the string up against the rear tires because the distance between the 2 rear tires is smaller than the distance between the 2 front (by almost 2 inches). Also for the final adjustment, I use a dial gauge (you can also use a ruler) to measure the distance between the rim and the string instead of using the tire's sidewall. As long as your rims are true, it's more accurate than the rubber sidewall. Thanks for the video!

[@Thefabforums]

+Scott Kolaya agreed

[@wjnahuy]

I used string since 70s but I have now mud flaps...this helps. Wow

[@elvee5520]

Thank you so much looking forward to having a go. Great work man !

[@seemssafe2995]

pretty solid, ive always used 4 jack stands and two strings and measured to the center hub accounting for wheelbase in the front and rear. this seems way quicker, the only additional thing i would add is to measure to the center hub on both fronts to make sure the strings are perfect up front. great vid man!

[@Thefabforums]

Agree... Thanks

[@elstonedoo853]

Good video man. Put it in very simplified terms with clear instruction. Simple fact is my front suspension will be getting a lot of work over the coming months and paying for an alignment each time would become costly.

[@Thefabforums]

+elstonedoo853 glad you like it

[@Mr7352]

Wow ..looks easy. Thanks for video, I'm going to try it..keep up the good work , it helps .

[@avelrage]

thank you for keeping it easy and simple ,now I know what to do ,thanks!

[@georgealmeida7382]

Ive used the string method dozens of times after installing lift kits on 4 wheel drives and have never had any problems with pulling or tire wear

[@amberericjones5694]

I have used this method before on my truck went to the shop the mechanic said I was damn near spot on.

[@Thefabforums]

yeah you can get it close

[@rabaham]

Great way to align classic cars especially after front end restoration. Thank you

[@Thefabforums]

Thank you for the feed back...glad I could help

[@Thefabforums]

Right on glad I was able help out

[@rebeccabaillie9584]

Nice 5.0 you have up in your garage!! ;-)

[@remsoyl900]

GOOD video nice to see that bold school techniques are still being utilized today .

[@ski7700]

Awesome tip! Thanks for posting!

[@jimjones395]

Oh ps... I get it better with a string and level than the shop does with their fancy lasers. That’s how I learned to do this. I paid to have it done, took it back twice and it was still crap so I figured this way out and never paid avshpp to do it since. On a straight level road I can let go of the wheel and it tracks straight as an arrow practically forever but of course not really due to bumps etc but it goes a long way

[@davidsgarage44]

the only way i do my alignments and ive had them taken to an alignment shop and they literally said it was on everytime

[@judysegrest5191]

Don't know if I will be trying this myself, but you have definitely answered my questions regarding what's involved with FRONT END ALIGNMENT... which is something the mechanic could not explain to me yesterday. To me, adjusting four bolts, does not warrant such a hefty maintenance fee. Although; prior to watching your video, I thought I was getting a good deal, especially when the first quote was doubled! Thank you!

[@Thefabforums]

Thanks...Im sure what you paying for the equipment. Thanks for watching

[@ForeignerPhan]

Thanks for taking the time to share this method. I replaced the inner tie rod ends on my '98 Honda CRV several days ago and as always it threw my alignment all out of whack. I had planned to get it aligned at the local shop the following week but after several days of unnerving and unstable handling I didn't feel comfortable driving it any longer so I checked out YT for DIY methods. I used your method and I'm back on the road with a vehicle which feels like it did before I did the tie rod job. Thanks.

[@Thefabforums]

no problem...glad I was able to help

[@Bigjamez2011]

Wanna take that extra step and to in to proper spec to keep the vehicle from pulling. Toe in barely an 1/8th turn both sides . That's what I've always done this is an excellent video

[@yzmoto80]

Incorrect front toe does not cause a pull condition.

[@ImGerald]

I replaced the wheel bearings, and the tie rods on both sides of my front wheel drive grand caravan. My alignment is off so bad that it's not even safe to drive. I move the van a few feet and looks like my tires is trying to come off the rim lol. I'm going to try your method so I can make it to the shop to get it aligned. Thanks for the upload.

[@Thefabforums]

no problem

[@rochellesargis.sargis6041]

Gerald

[@joelethalcruz4417]

i replaced rack and pinion...and alightment was off...i did this...hell yeah...it works...i aint paying 100 dollars for toe aligment...are you kidding me...plus my maxima only needs toe aligment...i dont care what haters say...this works...not everything has to be on computers...there was a time that computers alightment wasnt around....thnks man...i saved money...even if it s not...100 percent perfect...still better than before...

[@garylight1338]

Craftmax Cruz

[@jackyfrench4731]

i do all my machanic work and just rebuild my front end I've watched several videos on how to do alignment and this the only one made since simple and to the point appreciate the video it helped a lot

[@justinbtchr4522]

Thanks for the alignment tip sir

[@oldpieceoflooseass]

u saved me some front tires and i owe u lunch all these nuts at tire shops say my wheels too fat to align dipshits this all i neeeds

[@michaelmorris6575]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@irishcoffeetruecrime]

Great video and information. Replaced tie rods at home, I was worried about driving it out to garage to get them aligned, feel it'll be a bit safer now. Thank you 😊

[@Smittyschannel]

don't you toe in the fronts of the front tires by 1/16 of an inch to keep it from wandering?

[@Thefabforums]

not sure...this is just a simple temp fix so you can get the car to the shop

[@trodengore]

+paul rogers not sure in inches but in metric we toe in 1-1.5mm depending on the vehicle, unless drift car then we toe out 5-10mm

[@62Buford]

+paul rogers Yep. This video is excellent, but ideally you'd adjust so that the front edges of the front tires are 1/16" further from the string than the rear edges of the front tires... 'toed in'. This compensates for the slight tire/wheel spread the car will encounter at speed.

[@veganviking4929]

I thought it was 1/8th. I could be wrong though. 1/16th probably wouldn't hurt too much.

[@tronz2847]

It is 1/16 inch per side or a total of 1/8.

[@Lehigh1016]

Best easiest video I seen so far. You the man

[@Thefabforums]

Brandon Theodoris thanks...glad I can help

[@tony27ortiz]

Even though you only did the beginning of the procedure. I thank you for the video. It was very helpful.

[@northwestsuburbs20]

did this on my 89 coupe to get the alignment close as possible and now it pretty damn prefect just gotta get camber dialed in might have to go get an alignment at work for that. i watched another video of a guy doing toe with milk cartons and he says to set the toe in on both sides by 1/16 well that didn't work my car sterering wheel was off and pulled to right. the guy most of had it flip flopped cause it looked to me like the guy was doing toe out on both sides. thanks for the video buddy i appreciate it.Glad i watched your video and went off your video wish i did that the first time lol.

[@Thefabforums]

right on glad I could help

[@dntlss]

Great video and something new to try to at least get it to the shop which reminds me of something funny, those people at the alignment shop are something else, you could have a car with 20 miles off the showroom floor and just to prove a point you could take it to a shop and they will find something wrong with it that they cant do the alignment,lol. They can't be happy with the 60-70 dollars they get, its always 600 or more thats needed to get the alignment.

[@Thefabforums]

+dntlss always...

[@Boots_And_Slicks14]

+dntlss You're not kidding! I run into this all the time. Alignment "techs" think they're gods.

[@assgrabberb]

Sweet! I'm gonna try this on a couple vehicles this week. Thanks.

[@Thefabforums]

sweet glad I was able to help

[@charleshodge9327]

Been doing this for 30 years. The only tip I would add is to level and lock the steering wheel down or have a friend to hold it while making adjustments. Put some sand under the tires so they dont have so much grip. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from left to right [ do not go stop to stop] just an inch or two back and forth. this will equalize the pressure in the rack and pinion. the reason alignment shops tell you it is good is because they dont want to make the camber and caster adjustments. Always get a printout of before and after specs when taking your car to an alignment shop.

[@winemandinem2338]

On higher mile cars it's a good idea to roll the car forward maybe 6 or 8 feet before each check to relieve the stress in the rubber from the wheel turning in place and to allow the front end to settle into its track. What I do is roll the car back, make the next adjustment, then roll it forward and check. Nice video anyway. Another thing to note is the front wheel track is often slightly wider than the rear wheel track, probably more often on front wheel drive cars. This makes the string idea harder to use, so I just use a true straight edge held against the front tire and have someone measure the distance from the sidewall of the back tires.

[@Thefabforums]

Thanks for the feedback

[@aleksandardimic8162]

Wineman Dinem je to

[@ThesexyMrX]

i was think8ing the same thjing.. i feel i wont get it righton the first try anyway, so that means i have to jack my car back up, fix and lower. this by itself would cause the wheels to not be true right? so lower the car, drive it a few feet then measure?

[@aaronglbrn]

what if your car needs rear alignment?

[@Thefabforums]

if you have a strait axle rear it can be off enough to make a difference. This method is just made to get the front close, not exact.

[@Paul-hn4vt]

Worked great on my ‘98 Camry. Thank you!

[@leernt4158]

Great Informative video .... Always great there are people like you to help out!!!

[@Thefabforums]

Lee Rnt thanks...glad I could help

[@Thefabforums]

Never said it was the most accurate...actually said it was just a temp fix to get you to the alignment shop

[@hbadge22]

This could still cause an insanely dangerous alignment even if you’re just driving to the shop. Make sure you specify that this is only for non staggered tire and offset all around.

[@Thefabforums]

I guess you missed the part of this where I explained this was just a temp fix to get the car to an alignment shop

[@jackieliner3812]

Great information. Makes alinement simple 👍

[@Thefabforums]

Thanks for the feed back...your exactly right and I agree with your method. I almost cut another video explaining your process awhile back, once I had a lot of folks flaming my video. I never meant for my method to be extremely accurate just accurate enoough to allow folks to get to an alignment shop after some major suspension changes.

[@geloradananrlyeh8495]

Can you do this with laser beams?

[@Thefabforums]

I supose

[@geloradananrlyeh8495]

I tried it with two lasers on small tripod stands, but it is a little tricky. Do not use a reflective measuring tape, or you will blind yourself. I had better luck using your method and a strong monofilament fishing line pulled very tight. Eccellente!

[@pkrmnky]

I use light sabers and the force, generally

[@MrRexquando]

Are those steel toe flip-flops? Safety first.. LOL!

[@Thefabforums]

lol...its about doing it in comfort!

[@maincourseistoocool]

I actually went back to see if he had on steel toe flip flops... lol

[@judysegrest5191]

OK, guys, I know you're poking fun, but leave him alone. What's the purpose of having your own shop, if you have to use a dress code? He thought the procedure through and there was absolutely no danger involved during this step. Unless, he by chance, drops a jack on his toes. :)

[@Thefabforums]

Im good like that

[@33potogee]

p

[@xferret15x]

I still come back to your fox videos man!

[@loadbreeze]

Awesome, it worked for my nissan, thank you !

[@camaroiowaguy23]

Actually u dont want the front and back of the front tires to be the same measurement because that causes the car to drift side to side. You want both tires toed in abt 1/6 of an inch on each side. That will keep your car goin straight and not wander.

[@Thefabforums]

camaroiowaguy23 For the purpose of getting the alignment close, you want to shoot for the same measurement...then let the alignment machine dial it in the way it should be.

[@camaroiowaguy23]

if ur gona use a machine anyway why even use string? i thought this was for at home alignment.

[@Thefabforums]

nope...this is just to get you close enough to drive your car to the alignment shop after making major changes to your suspension.

[@casperghost7298]

TheFabForums.com This is actually exactly what I needed, I had to change the inner and outer tie rod ends and upper and lower ball joints and wheel bearing hub assy on my truck, and i need to get it aligned just enough to get it to a shop to have an all wheel alignment done, It's going to be very hard to get a perfect alignment without the machine, so any at home alignment is going to be just enough to get you to the machine, thanks for the vid man, it helped alot

[@Thefabforums]

Hey no problem...glad I could help

[@jdgimpa]

You are setting the toe only, you have done nothing with the caster or camber !!

[@Thefabforums]

grant wright yup...its just quick fix after changing suspension components to get you to the alignment shop.

[@desmogod]

grant wright How many cars do you know of that have caster and camber adjustments?

[@jdgimpa]

+Jim Pizzey Most replacement struts are notched for camber adjustment, caster is not easily adjusted but it can be done. Most Trucks still have caster and camber adjustments.

[@Thefabforums]

Yea this just shows toe adjustment

[@jerrycain6404]

If you have to adjust camber, use two ft level. Most strut cars have NO caster adjustment.

[@katterbach137]

Great video...followed this method this morning...my F150 truck is riding nice and straight now. My tires are all the same size so the string just butted up against the 4 tire edges. Saw a gap on the driver side, adjusted and I'm good to go. Thanks!

[@Thefabforums]

Thanks..I appreciate the positive feed back.

[@Thefabforums]

Good deal...Glad I was able to help you out

[@RT66TBIRD]

OK, I see it. I bit more sophisticated than a bubble level. I can pick one up today since I live about five miles from HF. Thanks!

[@sleepingwolf4840]

Great video and solid method

[@Godlovgtrs]

Great job and video,thanks dude !!!!!!!!

[@SpencerAt6]

Thanks for the easy to follow guide!

[@Thefabforums]

no problem

[@3g2000gt]

Sticky tiers!!! lol Thanks for the help man!!! awesome video

[@Thefabforums]

Thanks...appreciate the feedback

[@samisunc]

Wow, so simple. Thanks!!!

[@chrispelaccia8945]

Finally a man who can get to the point everyone blabs on about Annoying shit

[@Thefabforums]

lol

[@jamesadair654]

Thanks for the information I'm going to try this on my mud truck this weekend

[@Thefabforums]

No problem

[@justinjones3339]

This the best easiest method I have used yet I have tried many! just make sure the string is square in the back. I had to replace a tie rod end and I used this method it's almost if I rolled out of a alignment shop!!!! THANKS

[@Thefabforums]

No problem...glad I was able to help. Its nice to get some good feedback.

[@jefftirrell537]

I've been a licenced mechanic for longer than a lot of these people have been alive and have always used an alignment machine or a tape if the previous wasn't available, the trouble with the tape is it takes two people and you cant measure at the centre of the tire, this has to be the slickest and easiest way I have ever set the toe on a car and the best is you can set up race cars at the track between races with out a lot of fuss, keep coming up with the great Ideas!

[@Thefabforums]

Thanks for the feedback

[@koollee]

Jeff what about if the rear wheels are wider, and skinnies n the front? ... Would u / i then just make sure the string is touching both edges of each rear wheel (causing spacing at front wheels... then make sure that spacing is even(??

[@542aj]

No way Kyle!! So cool to see this.