So I put on new struts, and I suspect I could use an alignment (I used quickstruts of a different brand than what was taken off). I need new tires, so it seems wise to at least check. Before I drop coin at a shop, I decided to look into how to do myself. I've read a few procedures and have the basic idea; but my question is: to what precision do I need here?
For example, if I check camber, and use a 12" level so as to find the distance the wheel is "off" from perpendicular, every 1/16" of an inch is 0.3 degrees (ish). If I found the right specs to my '99 Camry, camber is is -0.14 to 0.1 degrees in the front, and -1.5 to 0.1 in the rear. So to check front camber, I need to be on the order of 0.01" capability, not "within a couple of sixteenths".
Does that sound right? I have a tough time believing I could check that kind of spec. While I have digital calipers, holding a level and measuring the required +/-0.02" seems a bit... nontrivial. OTOH I guess as long as I'm just checking that it is "close enough" it would suffice?
For example, if I check camber, and use a 12" level so as to find the distance the wheel is "off" from perpendicular, every 1/16" of an inch is 0.3 degrees (ish). If I found the right specs to my '99 Camry, camber is is -0.14 to 0.1 degrees in the front, and -1.5 to 0.1 in the rear. So to check front camber, I need to be on the order of 0.01" capability, not "within a couple of sixteenths".
Does that sound right? I have a tough time believing I could check that kind of spec. While I have digital calipers, holding a level and measuring the required +/-0.02" seems a bit... nontrivial. OTOH I guess as long as I'm just checking that it is "close enough" it would suffice?