Abstract: A method for determining wheel alignment of an automobile includes the initial step of clamping the chassis of the automobile in a measuring bench. After determining a centerline and datum plane for the automobile, a measuring system calibrated to the centerline and datum plane projects a laser beam parallel to the centerline in the datum plane. The laser beam is movable in the datum plane and in a plane perpendicular to the datum plane. The front suspension of each front wheel hub is then lifted to the proper ride height relative to the datum plane. A measuring unit is then mounted to each front wheel hub. The measurement of the camber, caster, SAI/KPI, and toe of each wheel hub is then determined. In addition, the TOOT of the front wheel hubs are determined while the hubs are lifted. Other measurements are possible, including checking the wheel alignment of the rear wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the wheel alignment of the wheels of vehicles includes a target provided with a plurality of scales for accomplishing the measurements. The target is pivotally attached to a support shaft of a target support structure and can be positioned in arbitrary locations around the shaft. A line of sight from a sighting instrument can be directed to impinge on the respective scales of the target facing the instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for measuring wheel alignment and steering geometry in an automobile. A substantially horizontal bar is placed in front of the vehicle at right angles to its longitudinal axis. A light source displaceable along the bar emits a narrow ray of light at an angle to the bar. The vehicle front wheel to be measured is provided with a unit including at least three angle sensors of which at least one comprises a widely dimensioned light detector placed in the focal plane of an optical means. The light source on the bar is set to a position on said bar where the emitted light beam strikes the optics approximately at the center thereof. A calculating device determines the wheel alignment values with the aid of the angle sensor signals for variable positions of the wheel and the motion of the light source along the bar.

Abstract: A work rack structure for correcting and aligning misshapen vehicle frame and body portions having a modular structure consisting of several parts joinable and detachable to each other in a variety of combinations, including:(a) a main rack structure frame part consisting of a pair of parallel tread members connected to each other by means of at least two cross bars underlying said tread members,(b) support bars for pulling equipment, each of which is telescopically slidable in said cross bars,(c) means for locking each of said support bar in a chosen position in its related cross bar, and(d) a jack-support carriage mounted for sliding movement between said tread members and above said cross bars. A method to set up the vehicle on the rack structure is also disclosed.