Do it yourself Alignment?

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Aw c'mon, it's not rocket science.

I just let Jack's comments roll off like water on Teflon. Based on reading his comments for the past several years my impression is that he is one of the fortunate folks in our midst for whom dollars are a secondary, or maybe even tertiary, concern. That is contrary to what many of us need to consider when we buy, sell, repair, or whatever. And then of course, there are times when the challenge of accomplishing a project on our own outweighs the pecuniary savings we may, or may not(!), realize. But in any case, Jack's comment deserve consideration.

 

[PMK]

What Ive stated is basically correct,while Ive never done a laser alignment on a Spyder, I and my techs have done many cars and large trucks with toe sticks and strings in the old days, and lasers later on.While its very important to have a qualified tech, you will get very accurate and consistent alignments when correctly performing a laser alignment, and it will be aligned to the thrust angle of the rear wheel which is very difficult to do with toe sticks.After all that being said if I were to hit a pothole and tweak the chassis I would first setup my alignment plates(sort of like toe sticks)and get out a tape measure and do a basic alignment and then get it to a dealer with a laser setup.
2017 RTL ORBITAL BLUE

Until you accomplish a laser alignment on a Spyder, you will not know the details involved. I have aligned cars, trucks, aircraft and Spyders. Absolutely am not and will not debate your understanding of comparing the Spyder to other vehicles. You have your opinion of correctness, but I retain it remains incorrect.

 

[joekeys]

Anybody out there in Spyderland create their own “ do it yourself alignment kit?”
I’m kindda think’n that it can be done......was wondering if it has been done, the success of accuracy , what did you use to create it?
I not a huge fan of paying someone for something I can do.......I’m not cheap, just kindda want to make sure stuff is performed correctly.......I’m weird.:f_spider:
I have considered strapping straight metal bars to outside of rim, using Magnetic Lasers (Harbor Freight) to attach to bars.......build alignment boards......follow the shop manual. I have BUDS to set center steer.

I had a laser level. I checked to be sure it was accurate and bungied onto piece of wood long enough to reach the edge of rims. Bungied those to the rims. I could then measure projected light 20' in front and rear and to check toe in. Be sure and check that the wheels are pointed straight ahead by measuring to rear wheel.

 

[wyliec]

I just let Jack's comments roll off like water on Teflon. Based on reading his comments for the past several years my impression is that he is one of the fortunate folks in our midst for whom dollars are a secondary, or maybe even tertiary, concern. That is contrary to what many of us need to consider when we buy, sell, repair, or whatever. And then of course, there are times when the challenge of accomplishing a project on our own outweighs the pecuniary savings we may, or may not(!), realize. But in any case, Jack's comment deserve consideration.

Idaho,

In the short time I've been on here, that was the first time you've come down on someone. Bad day?

Oh, let me get back on topic. I had my laser alignment done early on, with one of the people that came up with the original kit for Spyders. It was so much better riding. But, he did screw up the Spyder center piece, on both wheels. I guess he still wasn't quite at the professional level yet. I think he charged $75; so, he didn't break the bank.

 

[jaherbst]

I just let Jack's comments roll off like water on Teflon. Based on reading his comments for the past several years my impression is that he is one of the fortunate folks in our midst for whom dollars are a secondary, or maybe even tertiary, concern. That is contrary to what many of us need to consider when we buy, sell, repair, or whatever. And then of course, there are times when the challenge of accomplishing a project on our own outweighs the pecuniary savings we may, or may not(!), realize. But in any case, Jack's comment deserve consideration.

Ouch! Well anyway I have had considerable experience observing Ann and Joe Meyer, the owners of Squared Away do over 100+ alignments here in Tucson at my Hanger on several occasions. The best thing to watch is the smile and gratitude of those customers after alignment and test run. This includes myself on both of my Spyder's. If I am not mistaken the ROLO System 10 years ago was about $1600 and some BUDS adjustments had to be made or checked. It will be the best $125+ you will ever spend on your ride not to mention you will get more mileage on your tires if the alignment is correct.

Jack

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Ouch! Well anyway I have had considerable experience observing Ann and Joe Meyer, the owners of Squared Away do over 100+ alignments here in Tucson at my Hanger on several occasions. The best thing to watch is the smile and gratitude of those customers after alignment and test run.

Absolutely no doubt about it! I spent over 20 years in the quality assurance profession. One of the things I learned is there are times when the focus needs to be on "good enough", not perfection. Perfection, or damn close to it, is what Joe and Ann accomplish at a reasonable price. But, for someone for whom a laser alignment is not a ready option, a DIY approach may get them to the "good enough" state. The only real question then is, what is good enough? That's the very question I'm considering right now. The local dealer mucked up my handlebar position when they replaced the steering column in 2019. I'm now debating shall I try fixing it my self or travel 300 to 500 hundred miles to get it laser aligned.

The Japanese became giants in manufacturing starting after WWII. But they did not do it by producing perfect products. They did it by producing products that performed the intended function for the desired lifetime with minimal to zero failures at a price that was acceptable.

If a Spyder owner has the resources to pay for the best, and has no real desire to try to do it themselves, then they should go for it. But if they have the requisite abilities, tools, material resources, and the desire to tackle the job, and a reasonable expectation of achieving good enough, then let's cheer them on.