View Full Version : Initial Alignment Help Needed
I went to do an initial alignment before my first go cart drive. I took a long straight edge and went from the back wheel to the front wheel on the drivers side. The straight edge was off by about 2" (the rear tires were further out by 2"). When I looked at the passenger side the straight edge was right on both the front and rear wheels. I assume this means my reared isn't centered? If so, how do I fix it? I have the 3 link moser reared from FFR. I did try twisting the pan hard bar, but it didn't really seem to help.
Thanks
edwardb
02-23-2020, 05:01 PM
There are variations depending on wheels, offset, tires, etc. End of the day, your rear track is likely going to be wider than the front. So using a straight edge is probably not the best approach. Many DIY alignments use string. Works pretty well. Get the strings parallel to the chassis tubes and start measuring from there. Lots of YouTube videos. I use a magnetic laser level on toe plates. Kind of "virtual string." Same idea.
Jeff Kleiner
02-23-2020, 05:55 PM
Shorten the panhard by approximately an inch to start.
Jeff
I think I found my problem. I did the initial alignment with the car on jack stands. I'm thinking the weight needs to be on the wheels....
It definitely does, for several reasons.
Railroad
02-23-2020, 08:59 PM
Put some plastic sheet under each tire. Cutting up a garbage bag, so you have 2 layers between the tire and the floor will do.
Get the tire pressure the same, set the ride height. Hopefully your floor is level enough it will not hurt your rough in alignment.
Loosen the clamps on the steering rack boots, before adjusting the toe. You may have to slide or twist the boot to keep from distorting or tearing it.
Loosen the clamp end of the upper control arm, before adjusting the arm.
I am sure others can comment on anything I forgot and some tips to getting it right.
Avalanche325
02-24-2020, 05:26 PM
For rear centering measure from the wheel to the frame rail on each side. Forget the front. Don't be surprised when you notice that your tires don't sit the same in the wheel wells. Measuring and Cobra bodies is a quick trip to insanity.
After you make an adjustment, roll the car back and forth a few times to let things settle. I use tiles (can't remember what they are called. But what you see in old school / government buildings) with a couple sheets of wax paper in between.
Are you using an alignment tool? Or just centering and doing toe?
Just to close the loop if this happens to anyone else....
After many phone calls and photos sent to FFR it was determined that Moser welded the brackets on incorrectly which caused the misalignment. They did make it right and immediately sent me a new rearend. FFR through out the process was fantastic and always assured me the problem will be taken care of.
egchewy79
03-16-2020, 12:18 PM
whoa, you had to replace the entire rear end? that stinks!
whoa, you had to replace the entire rear end? that stinks!
Yes
rich grsc
03-16-2020, 03:20 PM
And that is why Factory Five is such a good company to deal with. No BS, just do what it takes to make things right.
And that is why Factory Five is such a good company to deal with. No BS, just do what it takes to make things right.
That they did. Tony and Jay from FFR were awesome.