Wheel Alignment

rmoss

This applies to all carts but I'm posting here; if it needs to be moved I have no problem with that.
Having read several threads here and watching videos addressing wheel alignment I have not seen any that actually address the procedures on how to properly align the front wheels of a golf cart. What I have read and seen may, may being the key word, result in satisfactory results; they are far form being precise. That said I felt that it might be a benefit for some to actually know the proper procedures to obtain perfect (or to spec.) alignment.
First of all you need a good flat, preferably concrete, area 25 to 30 feet in length. Next lift one tire off the ground and while spinning it using white spray paint, paint the center of the tread. Then spin the tire again and using a scribe make a line the full circumference of the tire. Repeat on the other tire. After the paint has fully dried either drive or push the cart 20 feet making sure to drive as straight as possible. After the cart is in position set the brake and then you will need to establish as perfect a center line for the cart as possible. This can be accomplished in many ways; rim to rim on the rear tires is good, center of frame is good on the front. However it is done it just needs to be a good center. Once the center is established you need to pop a chalk line on this center for measuring reference.
After that is done you can align the wheels. First of all to get an idea of what you need to correct or not is to get a measurement from the paint lines you made on the tires, side to side front and back at the height of one half the height of the tire. Next using a plumb bob or square if your floor is level see how the lines on the tires relate to the center line you established earlier. If the measurements are the same on both sides you can proceed with whatever adjustments are needed by adjusting each tie rod end the same amount. If the distances to the center line were not the same you need to make them so by tie rod adjustment before correcting the misalignment.
This may be a little over the top to some but it is the only way to achieve perfect alignment unless you have access to computer/laser alignment equipment.
I just like things done correctly, no matter what it is. Hope this benefits those who feel the same.

BGW

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