Tech Tip: Setting the front toe without a steering wheel holder

Suspension and steering components must inspected and in good condition before aligning the vehicle to ensure acceptable results.

Adjust rear angles, front caster and camber. Set front toe after all other angles are completed.

1. Start the engine and center the steering wheel by equalizing the pressure in the straight ahead direction. (turn the wheel 1/4 left, 1/4 right,1/8 left, 1/8 right,1/16 left, 1/16 right, and then align to the center. Stop the engine.)
2. With white chalk, make one line on the steering column and the steering wheel to give the reference when the steering wheel is straight. (This is best at 225 degree in order to see the line when the car is on an alignment rack.)
3. Check the two toe values and determine the one closest to the spec. (For example, the total toe spec is 0.00. The left wheel is at 0.10 and the right wheel is at 0.26. The left wheel is closest to the spec.)
4. Choose the closer side as a reference and do a simple calculation between the value of toe and the toe specs on that side. (For example, the left wheel value is 0.10 and the spec is 0.00. The total toe needs to be at 0.10 by Step 5.)
5. Adjust the side where the values is more out of spec (on the right side first this time), and move it to the total toe to the value determined in Step 4. (Adjust the total toe with the right tie rod to 0.10. Important: Do not adjust the right toe to 0.10, but adjust the right side so the total toe is 0.10.)
6. Lock the nut on the right side tie rod. Next, adjust the left side to adjust the total to the specs. (For example, adjust the left side now so the total toe is 0.00.)
7. By hand on the tire, recenter the value of the toe to be equal on each side. Usually the total toe value will already be in the middle, unless steering linkage is difficult to adjust.
8. Check the line on the steering column and steering wheel to control the position. If the line is straight the toe is set. 
9. To control the job quality of the wheel alignment, it is best to road test the vehicle when completed.

Information provided by CEMB USA. For support, contact the CEMB solutions center.