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Old 07-20-2015, 09:16 AM
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funola funola is offline
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: NYC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretch View Post
Arrrrgggggh!

Given up!

The W201 needs a lot more attention on the rear end than the W123 - that multi-link suspension needs to be aligned as well as the front. On the W123 there isn't any adjustment so I was able to get away with quite a lot more on my uneven driveway.

I failed at more or less the fist hurdle - setting up a box around the car. I was trying to get the positions of the four corners (of my box of string) aligned parallel to the subframe mounts and the mounts for the lower control arms on the front =>

In principle "dropping" points onto the floor with the help of a plumb bob could be done to measure distances between these positions and the (string) box reference points. Unfortunately my driveway isn't level enough for this...

...oh for a nice big flat and level expanse of concrete!


I've had to suck up my pride and dig 80 euro's out of my wallet for the local tyre shop to have a go at it. Frankly I'm not HP.
Digging up your old thread. Here are some great posts from other forums on DIY alignment with some great ideas in getting leveled on an uneven driveway.

TheSamba.com :: View topic - DIY Wheel Alignment

VWVortex.com - Tired of paying $’s to align your bucket? Alignment DIY Inside!!

I need to check and set camber and toe on my VW (after removing both front struts). I am looking at some of the following tools to make angle measurements easier.

This Johnson $40 digital level can be calibrated by flipping it 180 degrees. +/- 0.1 degree accuracy.
Johnson 10 in. Electronic Digital Torpedo Level-1457-1000 - The Home Depot

This HF one needs to be placed on a flat level surface to calibrate it. +/- 0.3 degree accuracy.
Digital Angle Finder / Angle Gauge

I also downloaded these 2 free apps on my Android phone and will be checking out their accuracy. First look = promising.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plaincode.clinometer&hl=en

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bz.ktk.bubble&hl=en
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