Tire Alignment at Home

In this video, we look at how to do a simple front end alignment on anything with a solid front end axle. This process helps us figure out where the tow alignment is at and how to measure the tow alignment so it can be adjusted accordingly.

[@dnlmachine4287]

Nice work, much appreciated. I'm sure this will help a lot of people and save money. If you need to center steering/wheel after, and have enough edge/knobs on your tires, use a string tied from back axle to front axle that wraps around the tires at similar heights (preferably at center of wheel/hub). One string for left side, one string for right side. This helps reduce the amount of times you have to drive-adjust drive-adjust drive-adjust etc. Stay gold.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Awesome advice. Ill have to try this! Thank you for sharing this bit of info. Another method for me try out.

[@dnlmachine4287]

@@EmbarkWithMark You can use the seat belt looped through the steering wheel and buckled to help hold it. Putting the front tires the ground on a few plastic garbage bags after marking the tire line may give a more accurate alignment, especially with a tall suspension or lift. Stay gold.

[@MRTDesrosiers]

Super helpful subscribed just for this video

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you found the content useful! Thank you for watching.

[@newyorkdesignco.1533]

Hey, thanks man!

[@dgordon0803]

Measure back side of front tires then the front side of front tires...divide x2 and adjust to proper width measuring through out the process you want 1/16 inch tow in front

[@krustythecarhauler]

That’s pretty good idea

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you like it!

[@mario101072]

Hy Mark . Thanks for the video. My question is that when you do the alignment with the jeep jacked, the wheels move from the bottom inside from camber. Do this affect the toe if you measure again with the wheels on the floor?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Hmm. Not sure I fully understand but let me give it a shot. The jacks are under the axle. The axle determines camber/caster. So those two measurements do not move. The suspension has full weight of the vehicle on it still. So the alignment does not change. Because of this. Toe will be the same if on the ground or on a jack. So long as you support the axle and not the frame. (Also assuming both sides of the axle are off the ground equally) I believe that’s what your where asking. Sometimes these questions/answer are hard to understand over messaging. I hope that answers your question.

[@mario101072]

@@EmbarkWithMark thanks Mark

[@TheRojo387]

I believe this is the remedy for when steering produces strain and friction, yes?

[@todddanielson1842]

Hi Mark, Thank You for all you do ! I myself are one of the DIYer's. Your info is very helpful. I have one question, That being. What brand or make is your HD Tie Rod ? I'm looking to replace mine and yours looks pretty beefy and would hold up well.Thanks again ! Todd

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Hi Todd! My tie rod is from Savvy Off Road. Very strong! This should be the link to just the tie rod. savvyoffroad.com/product/utr-tja/

[@White.Elemant]

Man this is genious!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you think so!

[@etyrnal]

So you don't have to make sure your steering wheel is straight first? How do you know which wheel to adjust?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You do want to make sure the steering is straight. On solid axles the tie rod pushes out or in on both tires equally. There is not an adjustment for only one wheel, for this type of alignment.

[@michaelc2321]

I made that mistake once 😂 I could turn left on a dime but took a 40 acre field to turn right 😂😂😂😂

[@EmbarkWithMark]

😂

[@jessemarchand5694]

Shouldn’t the tires have the full weight of the vehicle when you do an alignment?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

The tires do not need full weight of the vehicle, just the suspension.

[@justinbush7610]

Yes kind of as long as you set your jack stand under your control arms as close to your tires as possible your suspension should have the enough load on it

[@jessemarchand5694]

Justin Bush, that makes sense. Thanks!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

If you put the jack stands under your axle near the tires you will be fine. The suspension will still have the full weight of the vehicle on it.

[@bajaclaws]

which line is for front measure and which is for back measure i own a 2003 tj with 35" tires

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You use the same line for the front and rear.

[@kidt3068]

Sure would be nice to have someone hold a tape measure for you but this is most likely how I would end up doing it.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Fully agree!

[@trustme7731]

Without any reference to the rear wheels it doesn't mean much. Maybe only one side was off. Doing it this way you won't know.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You can not adjust toe for just one side on a solid front axle. If you are trying, then you have far bigger problems. For a basic front end alignment like this, you do not need a reference to the rear tires or the frame.

[@redglare2759]

Wtf? You drew a line on your tube at each mark...then the vid shows youre off and need an adjustment? How are you off?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Tires are not aligned perfectly straight. So the measurement between the rear and the front of the tire will be different. If I made my mark from the front of the tire then put that tubing on the rear of the tire, the mark would still be off(I started from the rear of the tire than moved the bar to the front of the tire). Unless the tire was aligned perfectly straight. I tend to tow my tires inward about 1/16 of an inch. I believe factory specs are from 0 to 1/8 of an inch.

[@redglare2759]

I see, you lined up the front and then showed the back was off, with that measurement. Thank you! Beautiful jeep btw

[@EmbarkWithMark]

@@redglare2759 You are very welcome, thank you!

[@michics100]

Sorry, but this procedure is full of flaws that will not result in a accurate measure down to a 1/16th ". The lines on tires are not perfect resulting in error. Using a sharpie is to big of a mark that will result in error. I didn't bother watching rest of video because it is already error prone and is of no benefit to those seeking a precise measurement.

[@DeloreanGuy2]

It's a jeep with oversized knobby tires, u think it's gonna matter that much?