Toe-In and Steering Question

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by AKsportcoupe

I'm reading a couple of things here. So after making the marks by spinning the tires and using chalk, we should then lower the tires back onto the ground, and move them forward a few feet to do the actual toe-in measuring?

Yes, there are several things that come into play here. There is some movement or slop in different places like the wheel bearings and some possible motion at the tie rod. The idea is to get everything positioned as it would be when driving the car forward down the street.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

There will be no "slop" in the wheel bearings if they are pre-loaded properly! Also, if there's any "slop" in the tie rod ends, or loose steering arm nuts, setting the toe in will be about as fruitless as milkin' a Bull! Bull W.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

There will be no "slop" in the wheel bearings if they are pre-loaded properly! Also, if there's any "slop" in the tie rod ends, or loose steering arm nuts, setting the toe in will be about as fruitless as milkin' a Bull! Bull W.

That is matter of opinion. If you maintain a pre-load on the front wheel bearings they will have a relatively short life span. If you adjust them the way Ford instructed to do they will last forever as long as no contaminants are introduced but WILL have play. The reason pre-load was incorporated in areas such as the rear differential was twofold. First, the loads are different and preserving the gear mesh is priority #1. Second, as this is not a simple servicing issue where you stop for gas and have the differential bearings readjusted, they are set to account for normal wear and seating and WILL loosen up. Check with any manufacturer of tapered roller bearings and they will tell you that those original specs do not apply to reusing bearings that have been seated.

I DO agree there should be no play in the tie rod ends but is this always the case? Why do you think Ford specified this procedure for cars that were only a few months old? Maybe you have a better handle on this than did the Ford engineers. Maybe you and I have cars that are as good or better than new. What about the readers here. Do they all have cars so good that they can disregard Ford's practices?

Model A's are incredibly forgiving of bad practices which is why so many survived to this day. Additionally, today most are driven less that 2k miles a year which means they can survive the WORST of practices and still out survive their owner.

You are more than welcome to "rewrite the book" on Model A's but knowing your audience is helpful.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

'Twas almost ready for a smart ass remark, but not good timing, my Honey, Pat, made her Glorious Trip to Jesus today. Thanks to all who have been a great support to us.
Bill W.

[Chuck Kuntz]

I just stick a pin in each tire for a fixed point of measurement. Measure the rear first. Saves a lot of time.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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Originally Posted by Chuck Kuntz

I just stick a pin in each tire for a fixed point of measurement. Measure the rear first. Saves a lot of time.

Chuck,
Brilliant idea, so easy! Bill W.

[TudooR31]

Can you measure alignment by using 2 yard sticks going from rim edge to rim edge? Seemed simple enough to measure between rims (8" from floor, wheels off floor) at the front, spin the wheels and measure several times to compensate for rim wobble, then measure at the back with the same method.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Not trying to be a know it all, but why are some steeped in the old tradition that slightly loose wheel bearings are O.K. just because it said so in some OLD books, before folks learned better. Model A front wheel bearings are the same as other Fords up to 1948. If the wheel bearings are loose, might as well set your toe in a string, a 2x4, or just "eyeball it."-----"Hey Rufus, how's that look?"---"Just a tad more,---No, not that way!---No no no, the OTHER way!!"-----"Your Mother raised an IDIOT!"-----"It's the pipe wrench's fault, it won't grip the rod the other way---STUPID!!"----"Look who's callin' the pot, stupid, STUPID!"
Probably the best for me is to spend a few bucks to have it set by a PRO. Sorta' like, you don't tune your own PIANO! (ding-ding-dawng!) Bill W.