Alignment Tools and Tips
Proper wheel alignment is a key component of setting up your car for the track. Most people rely on their local shop to get the job done, but they might not have the skills or expertise to set it up for certain use cases, and you can’t adjust or refine the setup while at the track.
Unless, that is, you are using SmartStrings and SmartCamber tools. With this equipment you can easily set up your alignment at home or at the track, and while it may sound daunting, the process is really simple.
But don’t just take our word for it, see what Rob Krider from Double Nickel Nine Motorsports had to say about our Smart Strings and Smart Camber tools on the NASA Speed News site.
Personalized Alignment Made Simple
Image Credit: SpeedNews
Rob and his team have been using the Smart Strings and Smart Camber tools to do their alignment at Double Nickel Nine Motorsports for years.
“Aligning your own vehicle isn’t as scary as you might think. With a few of the right tools and some practice, the process is actually pretty simple.”
Top SmartStrings Alignment Tips
Rob has been involved in motorsport for years and has learned the tips and tricks to employ in order to get the perfect alignment setup with SmartStrings. Being a practical sort, he took the time to document them in this SpeedNews article for other racing enthusiasts to benefit from:
Toe Adjustment On Sticky Surfaces
Image Credit: SpeedNews
The Issue: When adjusting toe on sticky racing tires, the tires may resist movement, leading to inaccurate measurements. Sometimes the sidewall would deform instead of the wheels actually moving, leading to incorrect toe calibration.
The Solution: Rob placed a thick garbage bag coated inside with axle grease under each tire to allow them to slip slightly during adjustments. Use two bags and plenty of duct tape to prevent the grease from leaking out.
Steering Wheel Positioning
Image Credit: SpeedNews
The Issue: While toe adjustments are being made, the car is rolled forwards and backwards. This causes the steering wheel to go off center.
The Solution: Either have someone sitting in the car, ensuring the wheel is straight at all times, or use a steering wheel bubble level to check that it is perfectly aligned. In Rob's case, he didn't have an extra person around to sit in the car, so he used several 45lb weights instead - crafty!
Steering Wheel Lock
Image Credit: SpeedNews
The Issue: Adjusting the tie rod ends can cause the steering rack to move, requiring constant re-aligning to ensure the settings are correct and the wheel remains straight.
The Solution: Use a steering wheel lock device to secure the steering wheel in one position, this in conjunction with the steering wheel bubble level will ensure that everything remains in the perfect position.
Essential Alignment Tools
Image Credit: SpeedNews
"These products aren’t expensive, and I can guarantee I have saved thousands of dollars in tire shop alignments based on the amount of times I change my settings."
With the aid of some essential alignment tools and a few handy tips, doing your own alignment couldn’t be easier. Don’t get caught out without the right tool for the job:
SmartStrings System: Creates a rectangular frame around the vehicle, allowing for precise toe measurements by comparing distances from the string to the wheel rims.
SmartCamber Kit: Measures camber angles accurately and can be used hands-free, facilitating adjustments without additional assistance.
SmartStrings And SmartCamber Alignment Tools
You don’t need to be part of a professional racing team to benefit from Smart Racing products equipment. Our tools are designed to deliver accurate, repeatable results on the go that will benefit anyone from an amateur to a seasoned racer. You can easily make alignment adjustments without having to recalibrate.
- Easy, One-Person Alignment Process
- Ensures Precise, Repeatable Alignment
- Portable For Track And Off-Road Use
- Simple and Durable Design Lasts A Lifetime - Precisely Built In The USA
Contact us today for more information on our SmartStrings and SmartCamber kits, as well as indispensable tire tools and pads and scales that allow you to measure and set up your car perfectly, anywhere.