setting tracking with 'dunlop' gauges
Turbo Mini Forums

OK, I've borrowed an only set of snap-on optical alignment gauges (identical to the dunlops from what I can see). Searching suggests I should be setting the tracking at around 0 to perhaps a little toe out - fine.

Now looking at the online instructions I found for the gauges, it says to set them off the mid section of the sidewall, avoiding any lettering etc - pretty hard on a small 032! Without trying it to see if it is possible, would I not be better setting them off the wheel rim?

In addition, these will only set one axle so there is no reference between the front and back. Could I however check the rear toe 'backwards'? I know I can centre the rear but at least I could get some degree of guidance for now on what it is doing? any guidance on rear toe settings?

And before you all jump on the wagon, it will be going for a proper set up in due course; this is just buying me a little time.

Any thoughts, and comments welcome

I always use my Dunlop gauges on the wheel rim. You are correct in what you say, you can do the rears but no way really of seeing what the overall thrust angle is (e.g. will the car track straight or crab).
Nothing wrong with the optical gauges though, I've used mine for years on all sorts of stuff. You can probably have a reasonable go at setting the thrust angle by running a string round the car.

Cheers Tom; Keith suggested the same thing yesterday about the string. Hoping to get the car on the road this weekend, so time permitting, I'll be having a go at in on Sunday

As Tom, I always go of the rim too (and the flat inner part to avoid any run out or kerbing on the very edge of the rim).

Fine to do the backs - just remember that if the read toe out, you actually have toe in.....

For approximate thrust angle I use a very long straight edge held against the rear wheel (not perfect but gets close)

For the rear, a quick double check to make sure ther're the same either side is a big stick at sill height held on the wheel.

Either where it meets the sill or the gap to the sill at a fixed distance is a rough guide.

Wil

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph