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Which steering holder for wheel alignment?

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Rusted Nut

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Not sure if your vehicle is different from many vehicles I've worked on; but I always adjust toe, drop the vehicle down on the tires and adjust/center the wheel after.
 
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atikovi

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txvwnut said:
1” ratchet strap from the brake pedal to the steering wheel.
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That's what I use when towing a RWD with the back off the ground but with 2 straps going to the seat frame. If nothing else, I could do that but it takes a few minutes to set up, while a tool takes just seconds.
 
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djbmw

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You didnt mention how you're aligning it. If using software you should just use wintoe, or easytoe, or whatever its called in your software. All that im familiar with over the last 20 yrs dont require a steering wheel holder.

If you're using the string method,.. jerry rig anything you want since the alignment wont be spot on anyway :p. Roll the windows down, put a 2x4 between the two doors, and clamp it to the steering wheel with wood clamps
 
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Chipm

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djbmw said:
You didnt mention how you're aligning it. If using software you should just use wintoe, or easytoe, or whatever its called in your software. All that im familiar with over the last 20 yrs dont require a steering wheel holder.

If you're using the string method,.. jerry rig anything you want since the alignment wont be spot on anyway :p. Roll the windows down, put a 2x4 between the two doors, and clamp it to the steering wheel with wood clamps
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I don't understand what software has to do with steering lock. Without a holder, if you adjust one tie rod sometimes It moves the steering rack, too. software can't help that.

I have used string on all of my personal cars for twenty years and get perfect tire wear. I'm of the opinion that a tech who wants to get it right with strings is more accurate than a guy who is trying to make hours and using the machine.
 
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51dueller

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The steering wheel lock is more for doing camber and caster changes as steering changes can be attributed to adjustment.

The software records the total toe when going into adjustment mode and knows which wheel you are adjusting so any changes are assigned to that wheel. It even allows you to turn the wheel to almost full lock to make adjustments for vehicles with difficult to access tie rods (F'n Dodge Intrepids). A steering wheel lock won't be of any help on vehicles with a worn steering box as there is too much play. Was always fun getting 3/4 and 1 ton trucks a straight steering wheel.

While you can get good results with mechanical measuring means some vehicles have stupid tolerances. 0.05 of a degree is enough to be out of spec to pass a final inspection.
 
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txvwnut

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atikovi said:
That's what I use when towing a RWD with the back off the ground but with 2 straps going to the seat frame. If nothing else, I could do that but it takes a few minutes to set up, while a tool takes just seconds.
Click to expand...
The issues I have with the holders that go between the seat and the wheel is they can move if the seat cushion is soft or worn. Also if the seat is all the back for a tall driver then you have to move the seat up which I have a rule of not adjusting a customers seat unless its really necessary.
 
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Steve_P

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I don't know the brand, but you want something that clamps to the wheel and the brake pedal; NOT the seat. This is what the guy that does my alignments uses.
 
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djbmw

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Chipm said:
I don't understand what software has to do with steering lock. Without a holder, if you adjust one tie rod sometimes It moves the steering rack, too. software can't help that.

I have used string on all of my personal cars for twenty years and get perfect tire wear. I'm of the opinion that a tech who wants to get it right with strings is more accurate than a guy who is trying to make hours and using the machine.
Click to expand...
You dont lock the steering wheel when using a machine. It accounts for changes in real time... gotta love computers and wheel sensors :).
You can also put it into jacking mode and raise a side to gain access/add shims/bend some metal, etc... and then lower the car and keep aligning where you left off.

Its also far faster than the string method.... and used machines can be bought for $1,000
 
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