Re: alignments

From: Marc Robertson (marc@blackberry-ridge.com)
Date: Tue Mar 17 1998 - 18:32:54 EST


Frank Ball wrote:

> I went and checked out the smartcamber web page
> (http://www.smartcamber.com/products.html).
>
> SmartCamber Family
>
> Our SmartCamber tool digitally measures camber and caster quickly,
> easily, and repeatably. Plus, the module is removable and can be used
> for measuring driveshaft, wing and suspension angles, so it is two tools
> in one. Use it at home, shop or track with complete confidence. Most
> effectively used with the optional Hands-Free adapter as shown.
> Optional wooden carrying case available separately.
>
> SmartCamber (12" to 18" wheels): part #1030 Only $199.95
>
> SmartCamber II (5" to 10" wheels): part #1032 Only $199.95
>
> It doesn't say anything more about the "optional Hands-Free adapter",
> and the picture doesn't make it obvious.
>
> $200 isn't bad, that's what about 3 or 4 alignments? Problem is the
> toe-in, that tool is $770. Like a said before, a single I-beam front
> end is easy, but this independent front suspension makes it a lot
> tougher to do the toe-in in the driveway.
>
> It looks easy to use this tool to set the camber, but I'm puzzled at how
> the castor is measured.
>
> This is a nice tool with a digital angle measuring device. How much
> cheaper is one wit a bubble gauge, and how accurate would they be?

I'm about at the end of what I know here, since I don't personally own
one of these SmartCamber gauges. It basically is an aluminum frame
which contains the same electronic Smartlevel the you can find at home
improvement places. The actual electronic level is removeable from the
SmartCamber gauge and also from the conventional-looking carpenter-type
frame you will find at the home improvement places; so you can own one
electronic level and use it for a variety of things.

The SmartCamber frame has adjustable screws top and bottom that you can
set to meet your wheel rims in a suitably consistent place. Once the
vehicle is level and loaded the way you want it to be (in the case of a
light formula car, with the driver in the car), camber can be
determined. The frame is really quite simple -- the brains is in the
digital level, which you can get anywhere.

As for other measurements, I wish I could be more helpful. I was just
glad to have a toe-in adjustment solve my tire wear problems -- I didn't
look any further. I guess I wouldn't be concerned about the driveway
method of setting toe-in, however. I understand that you may get
bump-steer as the suspension moves through it's travel, but would an
alignment shop deal with bump steer?

Marc Robertson
marc@blackberry-ridge.com



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