RE: Alignment and Quattro (was Alignment 101)

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

Phil writes:
>Agreed.  The BEM Muller rig doesn't produce printouts - it's a purely
>optical device with Vernier adjustments.  BR Motorsport use a Snap-On
>alignment ramp to lift the car and then each axle in turn while
>everything is 'relaxed' and zeroed.  The actual measurement turntables
>and the ball race relaxers are French.  Martin takes about forty minutes
>mounting the wheel brackets and zeroing them to allow for any wheel
>distortion, etc.

Sounds familiar.  The rack I use doesn't produce printouts, is and older 
optical FMC unit.  The setup is key to any alignment, and is the most amount 
of time used.  I've spent over an hour just the mounting, then 15 on 
alignment.

>I _may_ see him tonight at the Area E meeting, in which case I'll ask
>what values he uses.  I do know that he always aims for specific
>values, not just within tolerance.  Bear in mind also that there is a
>serious error in the ur-quattro alignment specifications that was
>revised by a Technical Bulletin - at least one of the 'programmed laser
>rigs' in use in the UK uses the old (incorrect) values.

Most of the Hunter equipment has this problem as well (except the dealers, 
the only ones that can do the A4T front end), my understanding is that error 
is in the 5ktq/200tq alignment programming as well.  

Phil, one note on home brew alignments.  Remember, an alignment machine (all 
of them) are nothing more than optical comparitors, and simplify the work 
effort and calculations put thru by using string, tape measures and a flat 
surface.  I remember trying to get an alignment at a Firestone Dealer after 
putting in a full coil over setup.  The settings were so far out, the Hunter 
machine rejected the car, because the toe was so far out of range, the 
machine couldn't give a reading.  A 'overly confident' service writer tried 
to tell me that the alignment couldn't be done. I volunteered string and a 
tape measure, and he faltered and said that "we won't do the alignment sir".  
Thanks for wasting 1 hour wait time.  I went to another shop, they laughed at 
the thought, especially when they saw ALL new alignment adj parts on the car.

I've been to many track events (including some very expensive Indy cars) and 
have seen the boys doing the home brew there.  I don't scoff at any of the 
home brews, in fact, I've measured 1 customer's on the rack, and it was dead 
nuts on (that cost me a lot of beer).  Don't sell them short for a minute, 
most racers use some form of home brew, many racers catalogs sell alignment 
tools for about 300USD, that are found at most racing venues.

Regarding the other settings, I'm kinda bummed you don't have a printout, cuz 
my bet is some compromise HAD to happen in the front end.  Did you replace 
your swaybar bushings before the alignment?

Scott Justusson