Any Alignment Techs?
I’ve been shadowing and doing a lot of front end work. I asked our lead tech why he doesn’t use the steering wheel holder when adjusting toe and he said because it sucks…no other explanation other than that but he always seems to brings back the cars after test drives for crooked steering wheel or light pull ect. Does the holder actually suck or would it make a difference? Also any specialty tools I should look into for front end and alignment?
Posted Mar 31, 2022, 5:19 AM UTC
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Your lead tech is probably using Win Toe, you don’t have to lock it. (It’s a patented software by Hunter) You’ll need different size sockets for camber/caster adjustment (if equipped). But a good crescent wrench and a plier wrench will go along way.
You are right we do use the hunter machine and the option is called adjust toe with win toe thanks, as for the constant adjust is it normal not to get it on the first try…
Sorry I miss read your question, if he has to keep bringing back the car, the machine might need a calibration. I tell my new techs this “ SPEED WILL COME, WORRY ABOUT DOING IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME”.
Awesome thanks!
Yeah, WinToe makes the steering wheel holder unnecessary but I would just stress it's GOOD that you're asking these questions, especially with a mentor who maybe isn't giving you good reasons why he does things the way he does.
As for coming back after test drive with the wheel off, it happens, especially if you had to heat the tie rods to get the jam nut loose. I've seen a lot of guys who just ship a toe adjustment after torching the tie rod - and then they wonder why the customer brought it back.
There's no real substitute for experience, but asking questions early and often while you're coming up helps you gain that experience faster. I would always advise asking more than one person, the fastest guy in the shop might cut corners and the most meticulous guy in the shop might not make any money because he sweats shit that really doesn't matter. You have to find your own sweet spot and figure out what lets YOU work at the fastest pace you can do without stupid mistakes or corner cutting. Good luck out there!