To help me save money by doing it myself, I am always looking for "vehicle repair youtube videos." Thank you for your comprehensive directions. You speak well (clear and concise language). Your education is evident and God created you with an excellent speaking voice.
That's a nice kit it will allow you to not only do toe but also camber so if you have edge wear on the tires. That's a excellent kit for home use whenever doing suspension work
Brian, thanks. I've never done an alignment but believe this is fair review. I read a couple of reviews from your link and together they offer a good idea what is involved. I agree with some of the others on the measurement side. I have an old MG and had to buy another set of tools and thread gauges taps & dies- wentworth. Then metric came along, (into my life) and then all those fancy screw & nut heads. Must be time to change the threads about now. Pipe threads, screw threads, and others. I sometimes wonder if engineers set back and laugh at the guy at home. Thanks again you help us AND IT STILL FREE. . .
Another nice one Brian. (Since I once saw one of your videos when you called out 'cheap bastards' for not spending a little money on a new air filter, I always look for your new videos.) Always instructive - keep 'em coming mate.
If you doubt the accuracy of your spirit level memorise bubble location on a good surface then rotate it 180deg, a good level will have bubble in the same place after turning.
Thanks for a great video and for just saying to click the bell for notifications and not feeding us a line about it. Keep making great videos, I never miss one.
Always makes me laugh when i see people arguing to keep imperial(standard) measurement. Vehicles have been metric for a long time now. Metric is simple, more accurate & universal. what is there not to like? I for one relish the day the last imperial anything goes in the shitcan.
I have had the Quick Trick Sticks for a few years.... Honestly for toe I prefer two jack stands and a piece of string. The Quick Trick Sticks only give you total toe in/toe out, not the individual wheels. Also there is something to be said for $60 to get a proper alignment on a rack.
Ideally, you should run strings in addition to the Quick Trick like I've seen at the track. I've worked in ma and pop shops and stream lined operations. A stock car is easy, but a custom car or a car that's been modified is a huge headache to get a shop to do right or do the way you want it. This way it's in your hands. You're in control and doing the alignment wherever, however, and whenever you want to. You're in control. For a customized car you're passionate about- this is a great option. It gives you the metrics you need to monitor changes in alignment so you can find the right setting for the track or weighting or post mod that you need much faster and see how it relates to the other settings as you go (with practice). I did alignments for longer than I care to admit on a Hunter setup without really understanding why things were as they were- I just made everything fit in the green as quickly as possible so I could print it, flag the hours, and pay off more medical bills and on to the next whatever. Get that car printed off and out of here! (I was working two jobs and going to college full time)
I agree. It is a cool tool, I bought it for a reason. It is a mixed bag though.... No, the "free alignment" with the purchase of tires isn't worth a damn.... but that 20+k Hunter alignment machine exists for a reason.... I guess it is a combination of the operator and the tool when it comes to a good alignment (or many things in life). Someone who cares endlessly about the vehicle with a yardstick probably isnt going to get a good result, someone with Hunter's latest and greatest rack who doesn't give a sh*t, can lean on the tire and get it in the green I know retail is what it is... Gotta get stuff in, gotta get stuff out. I work as a fleet tech, it is kind of a different world.... it isnt all sunshine and butterflies though.... I work on ambulances full time.
New subscriber here. I really like your approach to fixing things. I first saw your video on power steering. Because of your video I was able to convince my wife I needed a vacuum pump. It worked awesome to get the air out of the system.
I wouldn't call Imperial garbage. We've done fine with it up until the last few decades when the (French) alternative caught on. I'm not an expert though so not going to argue whether metric is better. It does seem easier to me.
Using a mix as we do in the United states results in expensive mistakes. I draft architectural things in imperial and I fabricate metal in metric. And what's worse, is in architecture there's a hybrid base ten feet scale. Most of the world uses the Metric system for everything. There's good reason for this. All your significant digits remain the same and the only thing that changes is the decimal position. This makes advanced math more mistake proof when doing calculations and conversions. Of all the countries on Earth I can think of where people pull long work hours and are subject to making conversion mistakes- the United States would be the country to benefit from the base ten simplicity of the metric system over the imperial fractions system. I like Fahrenheit as it's more precise for weather forecasting, but having things freeze at 0° in Celsius is pretty awesome for drivers to know when roads are icy. It's way easier to remember than 32° Fahrenheit.
BRAINS - Use them or Lose them. I MUST be a genius because I don't need 12 fingers to count. SMH at liberals. EVERYTHING needs to change because I say so.
The shocks on my Escort are sort of odd to get small ailment adj's. The car never has had road damage on the suspension parts. I use two strings to zero out the front wheel toe. I just use several layers of wax paper to let the front wheels pivot around.
Hi Brian I know this is an old video now, but I'm wondering if you have tips for doing a rear-end alignment, namely making sure your thrust angle is correct. Thanks for the video!
That demo of the movement further adds to my opinion that alignment is not as precise as most people think. Typically the toe spec is +/- 2 mm so if you can repeatedly get it that close you are good to go. As Brian states you can also run strings to get the rear in line with the steering centered.
What kind of camber did you have on the Ford? I wouldn't toe it in a 1/8" of a inch unless it was sitting a degree or more negative. After doing this work for many years, I've found the Snap On toe hooks work the best. Decent video, thanks.
Hello Friend. I've seen your alignment video and I like it, I'm interested in learning it with my QuickTrick. but I'm not clear on the use of Toe. the 5 mm difference you made with it, did you distribute it to the front and back of the tire? could you please explain me I will be thankful. I speak Spanish and I live in Nicaragua but I have used the translator to speak with you. I subscribed to your channel
Good video as usual. Would the level be more accurate and secure, if it was used verticality against the vertical member of the kit. Doesn't look right hanging out there horizontally.
do you still tell your customers to get a alignment after using the tool or is it good enough I hope that make sense I always refer my customers to a alignment shop but maybe something like this will work
Great videos ! I have a question: I know you have a few hundred thousand subscribers and probably get a tons of questions but I have an 03 S10 Blazer and I believe the AC condensation drain is blocked because there is no water dripping when my AC is on and my carpets are damp. Do you have any clue where that drain is on the firewall. I can't find it for the life of me.
There's huge advantages to both. For something to beat on and with fuel economy in mind- manual all the way. For drag racing on the cheap- manual. For something small engine and turbo- manual. For something only I drive and not family or spouse- manual. For something I use for off road crawling like in Moab- automatic. For something to drive in rush hour traffic- automatic. For something to haul on the highway and late model year under warranty- automatic. For something that I haul the family in or need my wife to come rescue me when I break down doing a pre service test drive- automatic. For something I would lend out to family members or friends from out of town- automatic.
Actually, I am planing to but truck with 2.5L turbo diesel engine but I didn't decide yet about transmission. I am still doing my research. Appreciate for answer.
Funny thing . Here in Canada we use metric, but when you go to the lumber shop or Home depot all the wood is sold in inches and feet. You will hard pressed to find a tape measure in metric. I guess it is just one of those things. Heck even the blueprints for my home are in standard and it was built in 1999. Well after the introduction of the metric system here in Canada. One place you will get screwed on is the fuel pump. As soon as the Americans go to the metric system the fuel will jump up I guarantee you. ATM the fuel in N.H. sells for 2.229 a gallon but in litres it would sell like this 0.589 per litre. Wow what a savings right. WRONG it takes 3.785 litres to make one U.S. gallon. Gas here in Quebec sells for $1.109 a litre. Yes friends that equals $4.16 a U.S. gallon (CDN).
This video was so jumpy and cut up that I had a difficult time following it. So the tool is not square from the factory. Got that. You bounce the truck up and down and the it moves. got that. Don't understand if it works and whether it sets just toe in/out or cambner/caster. I really missed it if you mentioned it. all I got was the impression that the tool was not very good. Is that what you were trying to convey?
So this does not allow for you to check alignment of back to front axles, I'm guessing? I suppose you'd also have to figure out where center is on the chassis to be sure your vehicle actually drives straight..
I cant see how this could be even remotely accurate? Example. If the left wheel has 0 toe in. And the right measures say 1200mm at the front and 1205mm at the rear. Doesn't that mean only the right wheel will have 5mm toe in? And the left 0mm! Or have i missed understood it?
Yes, the only way to do it yourself is by putting a string around all the wheels in center, and tie it to moveable objects in front of car, Jack stands work well, and move them until string just touches front edges of back tires, and then measure and adjust toe. But you need a magnetic protractor for camber and caster
Great question. It's subject to change and there are various levels, so I just put a link in the show more. Here it is for your convenience. amzn.to/2kvI0jG
BMW state that they should be loaded with weights.(three passengers worth of weight) I have never seen anybody actually do this. Does that mean most alignments on BMWs are wrong?
There's always links in the description for most everything in the video. That way I don't have to guess which tool your asking about and it answers several questions too- especially because this video will be up for years and often times in manufacturing prices can come down with time.
the first shop I worked at the mechanic that trained me told me to always use metric. even if it was a 9/16, use a 14mm. we came across a few bolts where they were clearly standard, but he would refuse and use metric, even if it meant rounding out the head a little. He was the metric social justice warrior of his time
Working with an old fart at a museum volunteer deal and he just went apoplectic on a rant about asinine imperial system we have. I bit my tongue so hard it hurt. Wanted to say, Ok you and me will force them starting tomorrow morning, you start driving in the left lane and so will I. Of course I really wouldn't. I'm actually lucky he didn't blow a gasket and have a stroke, boy was he wound up. And I really wanted to say something.
There's a learning curve to it. It's not a $20k Hunter alignment rack. You make your money back in less than 10 uses, but you do have to use your head.
What if you had a custom car or older car that wasn't on the shops computer? That's what this is for. Factory settings on this lifted Bronco left this vehicle squirrely as a chipmunk. So I noted the measure, tried it, changed it one more time and had it.
briansmobile1 I need to ask my friend who works at an alignment shop here how they proceed on that. So i will not defy you on that one.. I'll ask as i am curious too now.. I can see for guys like you it would be a good option, as now you can offer car alignments. But for guys like me that just tinker away?! Not sure if it's worth the investment..also you should align it , and then take it to a good reputable shop. See what they get on the computer. That would be a cool video!
Ask NASA or the scientific community how they like the imperial system. Ask a top German or Japanese technician what they think of it. Who knows? They might really, really like it a lot. Or not.
To help me save money by doing it myself, I am always looking for "vehicle repair youtube videos." Thank you for your comprehensive directions. You speak well (clear and concise language). Your education is evident and God created you with an excellent speaking voice.
This is the only video I've been able to find showing tie rod sleeve adjusting tools. Thanks!
That's a nice kit it will allow you to not only do toe but also camber so if you have edge wear on the tires. That's a excellent kit for home use whenever doing suspension work
Brian two pieces of sheet metal with grease In between under each wheel makes a good skid plate good video thanks
Brian, thanks. I've never done an alignment but believe this is fair review. I read a couple of reviews from your link and together they offer a good idea what is involved. I agree with some of the others on the measurement side. I have an old MG and had to buy another set of tools and thread gauges taps & dies- wentworth. Then metric came along, (into my life) and then all those fancy screw & nut heads. Must be time to change the threads about now. Pipe threads, screw threads, and others. I sometimes wonder if engineers set back and laugh at the guy at home. Thanks again you help us AND IT STILL FREE. . .
Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
Sold ! To the UA-cam mechanic. Great Job dyi'er.
Lol let it bounce..for a better alignment.
I've wanted to watch your video all day. I kept having to get up and go do stuff, but here I am, and it was worth the wait. :)
Thanks!
Another nice one Brian. (Since I once saw one of your videos when you called out 'cheap bastards' for not spending a little money on a new air filter, I always look for your new videos.) Always instructive - keep 'em coming mate.
If you doubt the accuracy of your spirit level memorise bubble location on a good surface then rotate it 180deg, a good level will have bubble in the same place after turning.
Nice little set up Brian. Have to watch a couple of other videos. I’ve never seen it prior. Thanks for sharing this video. ☺️ Artie
I recently spoke with this company and they have since fixed the issue with the gauges not sitting at a correct 90 degree on the wheel bars.
Thanks for a great video and for just saying to click the bell for notifications and not feeding us a line about it. Keep making great videos, I never miss one.
Always makes me laugh when i see people arguing to keep imperial(standard) measurement. Vehicles have been metric for a long time now. Metric is simple, more accurate & universal. what is there not to like? I for one relish the day the last imperial anything goes in the shitcan.
25.4 is the number that automagically converts both ways. Remember that number as well as you know 3 feet in a yard.
Tell me your height in meters
I have had the Quick Trick Sticks for a few years.... Honestly for toe I prefer two jack stands and a piece of string. The Quick Trick Sticks only give you total toe in/toe out, not the individual wheels. Also there is something to be said for $60 to get a proper alignment on a rack.
Ideally, you should run strings in addition to the Quick Trick like I've seen at the track. I've worked in ma and pop shops and stream lined operations. A stock car is easy, but a custom car or a car that's been modified is a huge headache to get a shop to do right or do the way you want it. This way it's in your hands. You're in control and doing the alignment wherever, however, and whenever you want to. You're in control. For a customized car you're passionate about- this is a great option. It gives you the metrics you need to monitor changes in alignment so you can find the right setting for the track or weighting or post mod that you need much faster and see how it relates to the other settings as you go (with practice). I did alignments for longer than I care to admit on a Hunter setup without really understanding why things were as they were- I just made everything fit in the green as quickly as possible so I could print it, flag the hours, and pay off more medical bills and on to the next whatever. Get that car printed off and out of here! (I was working two jobs and going to college full time)
I agree. It is a cool tool, I bought it for a reason. It is a mixed bag though.... No, the "free alignment" with the purchase of tires isn't worth a damn.... but that 20+k Hunter alignment machine exists for a reason....
I guess it is a combination of the operator and the tool when it comes to a good alignment (or many things in life). Someone who cares endlessly about the vehicle with a yardstick probably isnt going to get a good result, someone with Hunter's latest and greatest rack who doesn't give a sh*t, can lean on the tire and get it in the green
I know retail is what it is... Gotta get stuff in, gotta get stuff out. I work as a fleet tech, it is kind of a different world.... it isnt all sunshine and butterflies though.... I work on ambulances full time.
Yeah. How do you people do a rear wheel alignment (toe, thrust angle, etc.) on a FWD car?
New subscriber here. I really like your approach to fixing things. I first saw your video on power steering. Because of your video I was able to convince my wife I needed a vacuum pump. It worked awesome to get the air out of the system.
Ooh, those electronic levels. Make the noise...!
I wouldn't call Imperial garbage. We've done fine with it up until the last few decades when the (French) alternative caught on. I'm not an expert though so not going to argue whether metric is better. It does seem easier to me.
***** I think they should do one or the other. Mixing them up is much worse than just sticking to Imperial.
Using a mix as we do in the United states results in expensive mistakes. I draft architectural things in imperial and I fabricate metal in metric. And what's worse, is in architecture there's a hybrid base ten feet scale.
Most of the world uses the Metric system for everything. There's good reason for this. All your significant digits remain the same and the only thing that changes is the decimal position. This makes advanced math more mistake proof when doing calculations and conversions.
Of all the countries on Earth I can think of where people pull long work hours and are subject to making conversion mistakes- the United States would be the country to benefit from the base ten simplicity of the metric system over the imperial fractions system.
I like Fahrenheit as it's more precise for weather forecasting, but having things freeze at 0° in Celsius is pretty awesome for drivers to know when roads are icy. It's way easier to remember than 32° Fahrenheit.
briansmobile1 that ford might need new suspension in the front
BRAINS - Use them or Lose them.
I MUST be a genius because I don't need 12 fingers to count.
SMH at liberals. EVERYTHING needs to change because I say so.
The shocks on my Escort are sort of odd to get small ailment adj's. The car never has had road damage on the suspension parts. I use two strings to zero out the front wheel toe. I just use several layers of wax paper to let the front wheels pivot around.
Hi Brian I know this is an old video now, but I'm wondering if you have tips for doing a rear-end alignment, namely making sure your thrust angle is correct. Thanks for the video!
That demo of the movement further adds to my opinion that alignment is not as precise as most people think. Typically the toe spec is +/- 2 mm so if you can repeatedly get it that close you are good to go. As Brian states you can also run strings to get the rear in line with the steering centered.
What kind of camber did you have on the Ford? I wouldn't toe it in a 1/8" of a inch unless it was sitting a degree or more negative. After doing this work for many years, I've found the Snap On toe hooks work the best. Decent video, thanks.
thanks for all of your videos Brian, helps me alot in my projects, you Rock brother
You are SO welcome Jose! Couldn't do this without the kind of support you're giving me Jose!
So you just jam these 3 pieces of metal between your tire and your rim to keep it mounted to the wheel?
Hello Brian. Thanks for vids. Big Help!
Question: Is this best tool that you have found for toe adjustments? Recommendations?
cool...awesome tools for squaring up a car frame fenders doors front rear etc
I need one. Where you got it?
Good video
i like your descriptions
Hello Friend. I've seen your alignment video and I like it, I'm interested in learning it with my QuickTrick. but I'm not clear on the use of Toe. the 5 mm difference you made with it, did you distribute it to the front and back of the tire? could you please explain me I will be thankful. I speak Spanish and I live in Nicaragua but I have used the translator to speak with you. I subscribed to your channel
Good video as usual. Would the level be more accurate and secure, if it was used verticality against the vertical member of the kit. Doesn't look right hanging out there horizontally.
Any idea how to set the toe angles on the front end of a Subaru? Thanks!
do you still tell your customers to get a alignment after using the tool or is it good enough I hope that make sense I always refer my customers to a alignment shop but maybe something like this will work
is there enough room for concave front dually wheels?
I don't know. Dually's get alignments too. I've just never done one.
Great videos ! I have a question: I know you have a few hundred thousand subscribers and probably get a tons of questions but I have an 03 S10 Blazer and I believe the AC condensation drain is blocked because there is no water dripping when my AC is on and my carpets are damp. Do you have any clue where that drain is on the firewall. I can't find it for the life of me.
This is a pretty good system!
Hi Brians, Would you prefer manual transmission truck instead of automatic?
Which one would you prefer for brand new truck?
Thanks
Zack
There's huge advantages to both. For something to beat on and with fuel economy in mind- manual all the way. For drag racing on the cheap- manual. For something small engine and turbo- manual. For something only I drive and not family or spouse- manual.
For something I use for off road crawling like in Moab- automatic. For something to drive in rush hour traffic- automatic. For something to haul on the highway and late model year under warranty- automatic. For something that I haul the family in or need my wife to come rescue me when I break down doing a pre service test drive- automatic. For something I would lend out to family members or friends from out of town- automatic.
Actually, I am planing to but truck with 2.5L turbo diesel engine but I didn't decide yet about transmission. I am still doing my research. Appreciate for answer.
pretty interested till i saw the price.. Think ill just stick to the trusty ratchet strap and angle iron method..
Cool, nice tool!
Nice tool .!
Funny thing . Here in Canada we use metric, but when you go to the lumber shop or Home depot all the wood is sold in inches and feet. You will hard pressed to find a tape measure in metric. I guess it is just one of those things. Heck even the blueprints for my home are in standard and it was built in 1999. Well after the introduction of the metric system here in Canada.
One place you will get screwed on is the fuel pump. As soon as the Americans go to the metric system the fuel will jump up I guarantee you. ATM the fuel in N.H. sells for 2.229 a gallon but in litres it would sell like this 0.589 per litre. Wow what a savings right. WRONG it takes 3.785 litres to make one U.S. gallon. Gas here in Quebec sells for $1.109 a litre. Yes friends that equals $4.16 a U.S. gallon (CDN).
Briansmobile1 is #1
More: Were you satisfied with the Quick Trick alignment tool? How does a quick trick alignment compare with an alignment from an alignment shop?
This video was so jumpy and cut up that I had a difficult time following it. So the tool is not square from the factory. Got that. You bounce the truck up and down and the it moves. got that. Don't understand if it works and whether it sets just toe in/out or cambner/caster. I really missed it if you mentioned it. all I got was the impression that the tool was not very good. Is that what you were trying to convey?
So this does not allow for you to check alignment of back to front axles, I'm guessing? I suppose you'd also have to figure out where center is on the chassis to be sure your vehicle actually drives straight..
hey that ford reminded me that the bronco might be coming back?
I hadn't heard- though OJ killed that too! Ba dum, dum, tiss!
I cant see how this could be even remotely accurate?
Example. If the left wheel has 0 toe in. And the right measures say 1200mm at the front and 1205mm at the rear. Doesn't that mean only the right wheel will have 5mm toe in? And the left 0mm!
Or have i missed understood it?
Yes, the only way to do it yourself is by putting a string around all the wheels in center, and tie it to moveable objects in front of car, Jack stands work well, and move them until string just touches front edges of back tires, and then measure and adjust toe. But you need a magnetic protractor for camber and caster
Thanks for sharing this.
How much is the alignment kit
Great question. It's subject to change and there are various levels, so I just put a link in the show more. Here it is for your convenience. amzn.to/2kvI0jG
I see that those things have holes so, you can zip tie them to the pole so you won't have that gap
Their new set up has a different attachment for the gauge. No more gaps!
The gap is a result of camber. Cool tool, 20 years of perfect alignments without a laser but always checked. String and calipers
unless he already leveled the vertical beam in which case it's a job for a hammer and a vise to straighten that little angle bracket
Why not just put the levels vertically on the vertical bar? Much more solid reading than hanging on for dear life on an inch long angle bracket
whats wrong measuring in inches i personally dont like metric
I think your supposed to put level vertical on L,brackets on post
BMW state that they should be loaded with weights.(three passengers worth of weight) I have never seen anybody actually do this. Does that mean most alignments on BMWs are wrong?
how much it cost...
There's always links in the description for most everything in the video. That way I don't have to guess which tool your asking about and it answers several questions too- especially because this video will be up for years and often times in manufacturing prices can come down with time.
i had a ford ranger with T.I.B front suspension, sloppiest steering i have ever felt in a vehicle lol
the first shop I worked at the mechanic that trained me told me to always use metric. even if it was a 9/16, use a 14mm. we came across a few bolts where they were clearly standard, but he would refuse and use metric, even if it meant rounding out the head a little. He was the metric social justice warrior of his time
Working with an old fart at a museum volunteer deal and he just went apoplectic on a rant about asinine imperial system we have. I bit my tongue so hard it hurt. Wanted to say, Ok you and me will force them starting tomorrow morning, you start driving in the left lane and so will I. Of course I really wouldn't. I'm actually lucky he didn't blow a gasket and have a stroke, boy was he wound up. And I really wanted to say something.
3/8 is the only common use bolt size I can't use a metric socket on :-)
Twin I Beam is swing axle suspension which is about crudest suspension possible. Junk
I thought this was going to be two broom sticks taped to the wheels and a tape measure between xD
This doesn't have great reviews on amazon
There's a learning curve to it. It's not a $20k Hunter alignment rack. You make your money back in less than 10 uses, but you do have to use your head.
How much do you pay for alignments where you live? I'll make my money back in 3 or 4 uses...
Mod MINI yes thats less than ten
I only see 1 review on Amazon. You can't base a product on one review.
I like it but i would for sure just bring it to a place where they have a rack ..and let the computer do it.
What if you had a custom car or older car that wasn't on the shops computer? That's what this is for. Factory settings on this lifted Bronco left this vehicle squirrely as a chipmunk. So I noted the measure, tried it, changed it one more time and had it.
briansmobile1
I need to ask my friend who works at an alignment shop here how they proceed on that. So i will not defy you on that one..
I'll ask as i am curious too now..
I can see for guys like you it would be a good option, as now you can offer car alignments. But for guys like me that just tinker away?! Not sure if it's worth the investment..also you should align it , and then take it to a good reputable shop. See what they get on the computer.
That would be a cool video!
Nothing wrong with imperial, it makes you think. Metric is for the simple minded.
using an open standard is not simple minded. Sometimes the shortest way is the best and with some things being lazy is smarter.
That's a lot of bump steer.
Nvm found your link haha
Awesome!
"Make the sound! …"
your using this on a car with modifications and gear box that are known for being a pain
swrong witcha voice?
I broke it straightening a fool.
wow that must have been some straightening
not for that much money .. i would buy it if it was a third of that.
Vise grips? How about the right sized wrench to hold the flat of the tie rod. lmao
You'd strip it on this one. These were super rusted and grit packed.
I prefer US inches. I grew up on US measurements, you proably cut your teeth on metrics.
Garbage units. Ha. Go check your carbon monoxide detector.
Ask NASA or the scientific community how they like the imperial system. Ask a top German or Japanese technician what they think of it. Who knows? They might really, really like it a lot. Or not.