I've had this problem Wiv both of my polos!!! I can never get my car tracked anywhere they say my car is low for the tracking gauges! But the only way I've thought of doing it is highing it but wen u deck it again its gonna knock then bout line again so there's no point!! Or is the othe option finding sumone who has got the old Dunlop gauges???

Someone point me in the rite direction :)

I've never got round to making one, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

What I am thinking of is something on the lines of the following:-

Two planks of wood to form bases; Four uprights morticed or bracketed to the planks in such a position that their inner (or outer, if you prefer) edges are at wheel rim spacing; Four dowels at 90 degrees to the uprights and 90 degrees to the planks, these dowels would pass through holes drilled in the uprights ( a bench drill of some sort being required for accurate drilling) these dowels would be locked into an adjustable position by machine screws through the uprights.

In use, the two planks would be brought into contact with each other and the dowels adjusted to just touch each other.

The planks would then be stood in front of the wheels to be adjusted and the complete assembly moved so that the dowels on each side of the car are brought into contact with the wheel rims, then with great care, and using a long measuring rod, 9rather than a tape measure) the distance at the front and rear of the planks and in line with the wheels, would be measured.

The tracking would then be adjusted to the required toe-in (or out) - parallel in the case of the standard Mk 4 Polo.

This might sound a bit crude, and indeed it is, but it would be at least as good as some of these tyre depots who never re-calibrate their tracking gauges.

Regards.

^ this sounds like an awesome idea! I've got the same issue as the OP, tried the string method but my steering still feels VERY light! Is there any chance you could post a pic or something of your idea as id like to have a go at this!!

Cheers, Dan

Hello Dan.

I'd be only too pleased to put up a drawing of my idea for a DIY tracking gauge ( I also have some thoughts on a camber gauge) The problem is that I don't have a clue how to set about getting the drawing onto the forum, any advice would be appreciated.

Regards.

Try ATS euromaster. I tries everywhere for somewhere to track mine, these were the only ones in the town that would/could do it

Hello Dan.

I'd be only too pleased to put up a drawing of my idea for a DIY tracking gauge ( I also have some thoughts on a camber gauge) The problem is that I don't have a clue how to set about getting the drawing onto the forum, any advice would be appreciated.

Regards.

i would say the easiest way is to scan or take a picture of the drawing. If you like i could give you my email address to send them to, then i could post them up via my flickr account (with all credit for them going to you obviously!) would be good to see your ideas, and to share with others as i think this could help lots of people! With camber and tracking being two major issues for people with low cars, i think this would be a great asset to the forum!

let me know, cheers, Dan :)

Hello again Dan,

I'll take you up on your offer of your e-mail address and send the sketch (hardly call it a drawing!) to you.

While you are at it, you might care to tell me what a 'flicker A/C' is, I might get one for myself.

Regards.

This sounds like a really good idea - will be watching to see your sketch :)

Or find somewhere with an oldschool tracking unit that fits against the wheel and not hook over the top of it like this one....

Or find somewhere with an oldschool tracking unit that fits against the wheel and not hook over the top of it like this one....

Yea dude I've asked everywhere around by me no seem to av them no more which is a pain in the ass lol!!

my rear tyres are in my arches, i cable tie the gauges to the wheel. bit of a faff but it works

:)

I've never got round to making one, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

What I am thinking of is something on the lines of the following:-

Two planks of wood to form bases; Four uprights morticed or bracketed to the planks in such a position that their inner (or outer, if you prefer) edges are at wheel rim spacing; Four dowels at 90 degrees to the uprights and 90 degrees to the planks, these dowels would pass through holes drilled in the uprights ( a bench drill of some sort being required for accurate drilling) these dowels would be locked into an adjustable position by machine screws through the uprights.

In use, the two planks would be brought into contact with each other and the dowels adjusted to just touch each other.

The planks would then be stood in front of the wheels to be adjusted and the complete assembly moved so that the dowels on each side of the car are brought into contact with the wheel rims, then with great care, and using a long measuring rod, 9rather than a tape measure) the distance at the front and rear of the planks and in line with the wheels, would be measured.

The tracking would then be adjusted to the required toe-in (or out) - parallel in the case of the standard Mk 4 Polo.

This might sound a bit crude, and indeed it is, but it would be at least as good as some of these tyre depots who never re-calibrate their tracking

Regards.

This sounds like a blinding idea get on the case fella!!!

my rear tyres are in my arches, i cable tie the gauges to the wheel. bit of a faff but it works

:)

Haha legend I like it might try it!!! :)

Camber gauge can be easily made (:

bit of plate, 90 degree bend, plumbob mounted on large flat bit on e length of string onto a scale, hold the flat you bent onto wheel, plumbob will line up to the angle of camber u have, simples (:

The drawings will be with you within the next few days.

While I am on the subject of steering, would anyone be interested in an explanation of steering geometry, some people find this intriguing, others may find it totally boring, it depends on your outlook! But if there is any interest in this, I would be only too pleased to post it up.

Regards.

Yeah go for it :-)