99 alignment specifications

[1013jess]

Anyone happen to know what the correct wheel alignment specifications are for 1999 non autobahn ? Can anyone comment about having a proper alignment ? I have had wheel alignments performed before never paying much attention about the procedure itself. I have looked carefully at the current vs. the corrected values but do not know how to interpret the measurements. No matter the shop or the techniction performing the alignment the completed job is never spot on.. I have been told nobody gets it spot on.. Is this true ? Thanks for your comments in advance.

[sall]

[98redaurora]

Apr 23, 2014 6:05:53 GMT -6 1013jess said:

I have been told nobody gets it spot on.. Is this true?

That is BS. That is an excuse to do an improper job. They use computerized equipment (fancy levels basically) that clamp onto the rim and it is very accurate assuming their equipment is in good condition. I have preformed a couple alignments myself at my school. There is actually a tolerance in the alignment specs, where once you adjust the wheel the little spec on the screen will turn green.

I would assume your steering wheel is not 100% straight?

Take your car elsewhere. Stuff like this drives me nuts. Lol

[1013jess]

Thank you for providing those specs'

[1013jess]

Just about all places selling tires will also sell alignments. Aside from limitations worn out suspension/steering parts would present do these places use the same alignment racks ? Does the finished job depend more on the technician rather than equipment. ? It matters to me. I want my cars alignment set as correctly as practical. Any comments or advice ? Thanks.

[98redaurora]

The actual alignment quality has to do with how fussy the techs are. As long as their equipment is in good shape, your alignment should be spot on. If it's not. Money back and go elsewhere.

[stvgitz]

Where are the adjustments made on the suspension? I want to do one myself.

[auroranewbie]

Bs. I done my own alignment at tech school. Should be exact. We used a laser rack system. U put the sensoers on the rims, and the computer tells you where and how much adjustment. No excuse for not being perfect other than laziness. Im sure we only need front wheel alignment, and i could be wrong but most of the alignment on these are through the tierods. Correct me if im wrong plz tho

[sall]

I have seen homebrew solutions before. Even cellphone apps. It's still one of the things I'd would rather pay someone to do correctly. Right up there with balancing wheels and tires. I believe camber at strut to knuckle, caster at strut tower and toe at tie rod. The only thing adjustable at the rear is the toe IRRC.

[bobsblue95]

^^^ unless you have a computerized alignment rack I don't see someone being able to do a proper alignment at home. Maybe luck and lots of trial and (mostly) error. The adjustments are small and must be very precise. Find a shop that does Cadillacs.

[98redaurora]

It is possible to get close. It involves looking at the edges of your wheels and looking straight down the side of your car, and making adjustments till things look right.

If you put new suspension parts on and don't have cash for an alignment it works. But it is still inaccurate.

[sall]

...and tires aren't cheap! Wrong toe will eat them up.

[RCA1186]

Tell that to my old Ford Taurua hah.