Rear toe adjustment - special tool needed??
06-25-2002, 03:00 PM
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Rear toe adjustment - special tool needed??
I'm getting ready to take my car in for a 4 wheel alignment. I have decided to go to a reputable independent service shop that does work on Porsches (but not exclusively).
When reviewing the factory service manuals, the section on rear wheel alignment mentions that a "special tool" is needed to adjust rear toe. Can someone help me understand just how "special" this tool is? Can something similar be fabricated/substituted to accomplish the same results?
On a side note, the factory manual also specifies a "special tool" to center the steering rack. This could easily be fabricated from the proper diameter and length bolt.
I know that the shop is good, but I'm not sure if they will have this "special tool." The mechanic I spoke with originally claimed 25 years of experience with Porsche which gives me more confidence in their skills.
When reviewing the factory service manuals, the section on rear wheel alignment mentions that a "special tool" is needed to adjust rear toe. Can someone help me understand just how "special" this tool is? Can something similar be fabricated/substituted to accomplish the same results?
On a side note, the factory manual also specifies a "special tool" to center the steering rack. This could easily be fabricated from the proper diameter and length bolt.
I know that the shop is good, but I'm not sure if they will have this "special tool." The mechanic I spoke with originally claimed 25 years of experience with Porsche which gives me more confidence in their skills.
06-25-2002, 04:27 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by tt9714:
<strong>When reviewing the factory service manuals, the section on rear wheel alignment mentions that a "special tool" is needed to adjust rear toe. Can someone help me understand just how "special" this tool is? Can something similar be fabricated/substituted to accomplish the same results?</strong><hr></blockquote>
P221 from SIR Tools is the tool you need - they really should have it, as it's used on the early/mid 911, 924, and 944. Otherwise, there's no point in making one as the original is ~$22.
[quote]<strong>On a side note, the factory manual also specifies a "special tool" to center the steering rack. This could easily be fabricated from the proper diameter and length bolt.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Easy to fabricate - either grind the end of a proper size/thread bolt to a point (not sharp, just a point), or use a small ball-bearing (~4mm) with a proper sized bolt backing it up. This *tool* is used to lock the rack into a centered position so you can have a properly aligned installation of the splined shaft, steering wheel, tie-rods, or alignment.
Good Luck!
<strong>When reviewing the factory service manuals, the section on rear wheel alignment mentions that a "special tool" is needed to adjust rear toe. Can someone help me understand just how "special" this tool is? Can something similar be fabricated/substituted to accomplish the same results?</strong><hr></blockquote>
P221 from SIR Tools is the tool you need - they really should have it, as it's used on the early/mid 911, 924, and 944. Otherwise, there's no point in making one as the original is ~$22.
[quote]<strong>On a side note, the factory manual also specifies a "special tool" to center the steering rack. This could easily be fabricated from the proper diameter and length bolt.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Easy to fabricate - either grind the end of a proper size/thread bolt to a point (not sharp, just a point), or use a small ball-bearing (~4mm) with a proper sized bolt backing it up. This *tool* is used to lock the rack into a centered position so you can have a properly aligned installation of the splined shaft, steering wheel, tie-rods, or alignment.
Good Luck!
