Gunson trackrite

My local Halfords has a shelf full of Gunson products. Didn't notice if it included one of them, though.

In message , "Dave Plowman (News)" writes

I think they may have discontinued it. It used to be possible to buy from Gunsons site but although its still listed, there doesn't appear the option to buy online anymore.

Frost list them at 60 pounds:

I had one and gave it away as I didn't find it repeatably accurate, you can get better results with pieces of string and a steel tape measure. I have considered building my own laser tracking gauge set using two cheap laser spirit levels and a couple of steel rules, cheaper and more accurate I reckon.

mrcheerful

The 'Parts Bin' pages on this month's PC features it - Gunson's Trakrite.

Might be a new version, of course. But at 60 quid don't think I'll bother.

My local place only charges 20 quid for a proper four wheel alignment check with computer print out.

Says it needs a 'grit free level floor' too. Wonder just how level and grit free it needs to be for decent accuracy?

A friend did just that and made a decent set-up using laser pointers, spirit levels and rulers. Works a treat. He makes a few beers out it as well!

Will

Got their cat. through the post the other day, and noticed they're selling SkyTronic 150 watt invertors for 49 quid. TLC price 26 quid. Both include VAT.

I suppose all their stuff is marked up in a similar way.

Unless you're planning on setting the wheel alignment on many cars, it works out cheaper (ie almost free) to take it to a tyre place that advertises free 4-wheel laser alignment. They usually charge to do the adjustment, but not for the initial measurement. Say you'll have to come back another time to have the work done, as you're due back at work or whatever.

Take the printout, and adjust the suspension/steering yourself. Guess how much you need to move things, or use string to get it roughly right. The important thing is that you know from the printout which direction to move things, and relatively how much.

Then take it to a different tyre place, for another check. You'll probably be within the tolerance level, and need no work - so nothing to pay :)

Or you could pay the £20 an get them to set it for you, but that's up to you...

Rich.

Many thanks for all the replies.

I checked in Halfords today and there wasn't one in their display and the assistant said he believed that they've been discontinued.

I think I'll probably make my own for a rough check and then have it finalised by a local garage. I like Rich Russell's idea of getting it done free but I'm afraid I'm not that cheeky.

The problem as always, is who can you trust to do the job properly?

Cic.

Cicero ( snipped-for-privacy@hellfire.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

If you just want a rough check, use a tape measure. Just check the wheels are roughly parallel.

Wouldn't the engine be in the way?

I've done this just using the bottom section of the wheels and it has always been remarkably accurate.

I'm not sure how you'd calculate anything other than parallel unless you could measure at the centre of the wheel?

if you take a straight line down from the wheel rim(the place where the tracking is measured) then it will cross the tread area a few inches off the ground, therefore you can use this point to determine the toe-in/out. the only problem with this is variations in tyre make and tread, since the tread may wander about a bit. two straight edges with lumps that touch the wheels, two assistants and a steel tape can give very accurate results.

mrcheerful

Well I usually wanted (almost) parallel anyway. I tend to go by what works for me & the car rather than what the books say these days.