[David Goldman]

When doing a front end alignment, how do you know if the steering spade is completely vertical? Because if it is not, than your ackerman will be unequal...I have the sniper v2 (the one that is magnetized to the spindles, and has the v-shape at the bottom so they can rotate on the spindle). Is there an easy way to do this? Eyeballing is never perfect.

[mlange]

David,

I cant remember exactly, but doesnt the Sniper tool have a small window on the top with a bubble that you need to manually center?

[Mikko Nassi]

There's the technique that I think is mentioned in the Sniper manual. You use a bit of hard clear-ish plastic and place it in the center betwen the steering column and the fuel tank.

Now you start turning the steering wheel one way until you get to the point where the ackerman starts turning the outside wheel back the other way. Hopefully at this point the lazer will hit the plastic and you can note the exact point where it makes the direction change.

Now repeat the same thing in the other direction. If the "point of change" is on the exact same spot you've got the ackerman centered... if not you'll have to start adjusting.

[David Goldman]

Thanks a lot Mikko, that works