Re: [A/S] Re: Wheel alignment

[Airstream12557@xxxxxxx]

I said in an earlier post that the alignment shop Walt's RV recommended in 
Lakeland was a "low-technology" shop, but, in my experience, then did an 
excellent job aligning my axle.  By "low-technology" here is a brief description of 
the process they used:

They backed the trailer over a pit.  The trailer wheels were on two very 
large H beam runners.

They had movable beams that went between the H beam runners and the movable 
beam was placed directly under the out of alignment axle.

They placed a disk containing bubble levels on the wheels.  I had seen this 
type of disk used in the pre-computer alignment shops.  The bubble levels show 
the caster and camber of the wheel.

They placed two sets of chains around the axle on either side of the area 
where they determined that it was bent.  

They then placed a jack between the movable beam and the trailer axle (the 
jack was in the middle of the two points where the axle was secured to the beam 
with the two sets of chains).  

They applied pressure to the axle until the alignment disk gave the proper 
readings.  The owner said he had to leave the pressure on the axle for about an 
hour to make sure the axle took the proper set.  

After the second application of pressure, he pronounced the alignment to be 
within specification.

As you can tell, this process does not take a large investment in equipment, 
but it does require a lot of experience to know where to apply the pressure on 
the axle and what readings to shoot for on the alignment disk.

After the work was completed, we have driven the trailer approximately 9,000 
miles and there is no sign of uneven wear on the tires.

Sam
WBCCI 12557