Abstract: An apparatus for verifying placement of a rear view mirror mounting button on a motor vehicle windshield includes a first member pivotally attached to a second member for rotation about an axis. The first member includes a portion adapted to align the first member substantially perpendicular to an edge of the windshield. The second member is adapted to engage the mounting button such that the second member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the mounting button. The apparatus further includes cooperating indicia carried by the first and second members for determining the accuracy of alignment between the first and second members.

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning a pair of hinges on an automobile body to facilitate a hinge fastening operation includes a fixture positionable on the body, and two widely-spaced pegs carried by the fixture for accurately locating the fixture relative to the desired hinge location on the automobile. Power-actuated pusher pins on the fixture are used to force the fixture away from the auto body after the hinge-fastening operation, such that the locator pegs are moved out of the locator holes without binding on the hole edges.

Abstract: A method for positioning a pair of door hinges on a vehicle body can include the sequential steps of placing the hinges on locator pins carried by a portable fixture, advancing the fixture against the vehicle body so that multiple pegs on the fixture enter into preformed locator holes on the vehicle body, and clamping the fixture in position by automatic mechanisms responsive to entry of the pegs into the locator holes.

Abstract: A pair of hinges are positioned on an automotive body for fastening purposes, using a manual fixture that includes spaced pegs for locating the fixture in a desired position on the body. Three or more clamps on the fixture are controlled to clamp the fixture to the auto body automatically after the fixture has been manipulated to a desired position. Proximity switches operate the clamps at the proper time in the cycle.

Abstract: A pair of hinges can be positioned on an automotive body for assembly fastening purposes, using a manual fixture that includes spaced pegs for locating the fixture in a desired position on the body. Three or more clamps on the fixture can be controlled to automatically clamp the fixture to the auto body after the fixture has been manipulated to a desired position. The process of aligning the spaced pegs with locator holes on the auto body is facilitated by a stabilization pin carried by the fixture. The stabilization pin and the two pegs provide a stable three point support for the fixture while the fixture is being manipulated to align the pegs with the locator holes.

Abstract: A fixture adapted to set a decklid for an opening to a trunk of an automotive vehicle in an adjusted position such that when the decklid is closed relative to the opening a gap of predetermined width will be established between a side edge of a rim portion of the decklid and an adjacent side edge of the opening. The fixture includes a clamp body having a planar support surface and a clamping surface projecting away from the support surface. A clamp bar is mounted on the support surface of the body for reciprocal movement toward and away from the clamping surface to clamp the rim portion of the decklid and thereby secure the fixture to the decklid. A cam is mounted on the clamp body for moving the clamp bar. A blade is mounted on the clamp bar and extends along the side edge of the rim portion of the decklid. The blade is adapted to contact the edge of the opening when the decklid is closed.

Abstract: A chain measuring system which allows quick and simple calculation of the number of links in various types of chains such as roller chain, saw chain or link chain. The inventive device includes an elongated member, a plurality of equally spaced notches within a side of the elongated member forming a plurality of pegs, each of the pegs having an arcuate end, a plurality of link count indicia within the elongated member and adjacent each notch, and a length indicia within the elongated member. The rollers of each link of a roller chain are removably positionable within the notches. The link count indicia indicate how many links are within the chain by the user simply viewing the link count indicia adjacent the last link. Preferably, the elongated member includes an augmented portion which provides space between the pegs and another surface such as a wall.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel centering apparatus comprising an electronic or mechanical leveling device for sensing a deviation in the position of the steering wheel from a centered position and a housing mounted to the vehicle steering wheel for supporting the leveling means. A first arm received in the housing has, at its terminal end, a cam rotatable about a first axis. A second arm received in the housing and coaxial with said first arm has, at its terminal end, a cam rotatable about a second axis parallel to said first axis. In the alternative, the cams are fixed but include a sliding surface adapted to contact and slide along the inner surface of a steering wheel rim when inserted thereagainst. The spring biases the first arm so that the terminal end of the first arm is forced away from and in a coaxial direction with the second arm. The apparatus also preferably includes a second spring coupled to the second arm so that the first and second terminal ends are forced directly away from one another.

Abstract: A turntable for an adjustable peg system in a hinge-positioner fixture can be accurately located in selected positions of adjustment by using a powered locator pin in combination with a powered lock pin. The locator pin can be powered into a convergent socket in the table, to exert a cam force that rotates the turntable an incremental distance into a position, wherein a lock opening on the turntable is accurately aligned with a powered lock pin. The lock pin is driven into the lock opening to retain the turntable in a desired position of adjustment.

Abstract: A trailer trammel is provided including a pair of feet assemblies for being rested on a recipient surface. Also included is a trammel releasably connected between the feet assemblies whereby a toe-in of wheels of a vehicle may be determined. During use, the trammel is removable from the feet assemblies for checking a center-to-center axle alignment of the wheels.

Abstract: A method for pre-positioning the driveshaft sections of an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly prior to installation within a vehicle to facilitate the installation process. An installation tool is provided with first and second members which are movable relative to one another. Reference indicia are provided on one or both of the members such that mounting surfaces provided thereon can be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined amount. The mounting surfaces of the installation tool are mounted on separate sections of the driveshaft assembly. Then, the driveshaft sections are moved relative to one another until the reference indicia provided on the installation tool are properly aligned. When such alignment is achieved, the overall axial length of the driveshaft assembly is approximately equal to the desired length between the engine/transmission assembly and the axle assembly. Then, the installation tool is removed, and the driveshaft assembly is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: An alignment fixture to rotationally align driveshaft components includes a first driveshaft component having a yoke secured to it, the yoke having opposed arms with openings for receiving universal joint bearings, with the openings being aligned on a yoke axis, and wherein a cross with bearing cups is mounted within the yoke, with the bearing cups being positioned within the yoke arm openings, and wherein the first driveshaft component has splines for transmitting torque, and wherein a second driveshaft component has splines for interengagement with the splines of the first driveshaft component in a slip joint, the second driveshaft component having an alignment mark indicative of angular orientation with respect to a universal joint yoke fixed to the second driveshaft component. The fixture includes a main body having a concave surface for positive contact with the first driveshaft component.

Abstract: A measuring gauge intended for use in conjunction with an automotive vehicle alignment system is disclosed to measure and record various measurements associated with automotive maintenance such as tire tread depth, tire pressure, and brake rotor thickness. The measuring gauge comprises a spring loaded plunger axially mounted within a cylindrical body or housing. Extending beyond the housing, one end of the plunger is adapted to linearly engage surface being measured. The opposite end, also extending beyond the housing, is adapted for insertion with a sensor port on an alignment system, and includes a series of annular grooves adapted to drive a rotary encoding sensor within the port. During use, the contact end of the plunger is depressed by the surface undergoing measurement, and the insertion end proportionally extended, revealing a number of the annular grooves. An internal lock secures the plunger in the depressed position upon removal of the gauge from the surface undergoing measurement.

Abstract: In a steering wheel rotational angle detecting apparatus, an engaging pin protrudes radially from a projected part of one of a steering wheel and an annular rotating member and includes a spherical portion. An engaging groove is formed at a position on the other of the steering wheel and the annular rotating member of a rotational angle detector corresponding to the position of the engaging pin. The engaging groove is configured to receive and hold the spherical portion of the engaging pin on two sides while allowing the spherical portion to move within the engaging groove. When the steering wheel is turned, the engaging pin or groove immediately transmits torque to the engaging groove or pin, respectively, thus enabling the rotational angle detector to detect rotational angle with high precision in either of the rotational directions of the steering wheel.

Abstract: The wheelless alignment apparatus includes a rigid fixture having a strut assembly coupling portion and a pair of spaced apart support leg portions. An adapter plate coupled to the strut assembly coupling portion engages the vehicle strut assembly to secure the adapter plate and the rigid fixture to the vehicle. A pair of support flanges extending from the leg portions and having a group of horizontal offset openings cooperates with a pivot bar having two spaced apart pairs of fixture height members, each member having a group of vertical offset openings. The pivot bar rests on a turntable, and coupling pins extending through corresponding horizontal and vertical offset openings enable the rigid fixture to pivot for alignment purposes.

Abstract: A method for adjusting toe on a steerable vehicle wheel including the steps of obtaining and storing a preadjustment toe value for a first wheel, moving the first wheel to a adjust position, obtaining and storing an initial toe value for both steerable wheels when the first wheel reaches its adjust position, adjusting toe angle on the first wheel, using the preadjusted toe value and initial toe value for the pair of wheels to obtain an adjusted toe value for the first wheel, and continuing the adjustment of toe angle on the first wheel until the adjusted toe value is substantially within a first wheel toe specification, whereby toe is adjusted without locking the steering wheel.

Abstract: A gauge and method for reestablishing the designed relationships between the block, heads and intake manifold of a V-engine after it has been disassembled for refinishing. The angular relationship between the surfaces of the heads is ascertained to determine if they are correctly oriented prior to final assembly with the intake manifold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the characteristic dimensions of a vehicle seat for use in an automotive vehicle including the seat H-point location and determining variable data deviations of the dimensions and the H-point location from standard specifications wherein a seat to be tested is placed in a seat buck including a focused light beam generator capable of directing a light beam toward the vehicle seat after it is mounted on the seat buck, the seat buck further including a fixed target member for prepositioning the location of the light beam for zeroing the digital position coordinate read-outs prior to installation of the seat being tested on the seat buck.

Abstract: A fixture for identifying the phase angle relationships between two universal joints secured to the ends of a steering shaft assembly includes first and second universal joint assemblies which are connected together by a shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a male splitted member which is secured to a first inboard yoke of the first universal joint assembly. The male splined member extends within and cooperates with a female splined member of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly also includes a hollow cylindrical extension member having a first end which is secured to a second inboard yoke of the second universal joint assembly. The extension member has a second end which is journalled on a reduced diameter end portion of the female splined member. Thus, the extension member and the second universal joint can be rotated relative to the female splined member and the first universal joint assembly.

Abstract: An alternator pulley misalignment gage that allows a worker to determine inboard and outboard alternator pulley misalignment during the manufacture of a vehicle engine. The misalignment gage includes a cylindrical member that is removably secured to an extending arm member so that the cylindrical member can be removed and other cylindrical members can be secured to the arm member for different engine configurations. A measuring device is attached to the arm member opposite to the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is configured to be magnetically secured to a crankshaft pulley of the vehicle by a plurality of magnets. The measuring device includes a spring biased pointer that is slidably movable relative to the arm member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the arm member.

Abstract: Apparatus for visually indicating when the pressure of a pneumatic tire falls below a desired level includes a support and two arms independently slidably movable along the support. The arms are selectively locked against movement relative to the support and the arms are retractable for storage purposes. The invention also encompasses a method of utilizing the apparatus to monitor the pressure of a pneumatic tire.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus, comprising a set of tripods, having rollers on the base of each tripod, where the tripod replaces the wheel on a vehicle axle hub, and the vehicle is lowered so that the tripods support the weight of the vehicle. The tripods have a set of gauges, which display whether a gauge bar, on the base of the tripod, is level lengthwise, and from side to side. An adjustable gauge is used when the tripods are raised off of the ground, or when the steering wheel is used to turn the hubs, and the adjustable gauge is recalibrated to display the readings given by the other gauges when the tripods support the vehicle, or prior to the turning of the steering wheel. The information on the gauges is used to determine and correct camber, castor and toe in and toe out setting of the hubs, in relation to each other.

Abstract: A device for determining the radial displacement of a motor vehicle relative to the overall direction-of-track of same, said device comprising a swing arm; a tire/wheel assembly which is operatively disposed upon one end of said swing arm and is provided to facilitate tractive rolling engagement of said swing arm with a road surface; a spring-loaded pivot assembly secured to substantially the end of said swing arm opposite of said tire/wheel assembly; and a rotatably free kingpin which is secured to said swing arm through said spring-loaded pivot in such manner as to provide a radial reference for said spring-loaded pivot to facilitate the forcing of said tire/wheel assembly onto said road surface for the purpose of tractively following any perturbations existant thereon.

Abstract: A chair measurement device includes a base configured to stably engage a chair seat in a manner simulating a person sitting on the chair, and further includes an upright member pivotally mounted on the base for simulating the person leaning against the chair back. The upright member includes an upper section having an arcuately shaped rear surface, and an elastic member is extended between the upper section and the base for engaging the chair back to facilitate positioning the device on a chair. The upright member is lockable on the base to facilitate initial positioning of the measurement device on the chair, but is releasable and movable against the chair back to facilitate taking measurements. The base and the upright member include planar surfaces for supporting measurement taking tools, and further include slots for locating the tools in square and predetermined positions on the measurement device.

Abstract: A method of measuring the preload clearance in a double row rolling bearing. The double row rolling bearing includes an outer ring having outer raceways in double rows on its inner peripheral surface and first and second inner rings each having an inner raceway on its outer peripheral surface. Each of the first and second inner rings are provided concentric with the outer ring. The double row rolling bearing further includes a plurality of rolling members provided between the inner raceways and the outer raceways in double rows, respectively. The rolling members are preloaded when the first and second inner rings are abutted to each other at their inner end edges. The method includes the steps of obtaining the dimension H.sub.1 corresponding to the distance between the outer end faces of the pair of inner rings when the pair of inner rings are pressed lightly at their outer end faces in a direction to be closer to each other. Obtaining the dimension H.sub.

Abstract: A steering assembly (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a rack (12) and a pinion (14). A yoke (28) is continuously pressed against the rack (12) by a yoke spring (32). The yoke (28) has a stem (62) which extends through an opening (64) in a housing (16). During construction of the steering assembly (10), a desired range of transverse movement between the rack (112) and the pinion (14) is obtained by applying force (114) to the rack to position the rack at a first end of the range of transverse movement. The direction of the force applied to the rack (12) is then reversed and the rack and yoke (28) are moved together away from the reference position until the yoke stem (62) has moved through the desired range of transverse movement. A yoke plug (20) is then fixed against movement relative to a main housing section (18). After the rack and pinion steering assembly (10) has been constructed, it may be desired to check the range of transverse movement between the rack (12) and pinion (14).

Abstract: A timing chain adjusting device that is inserted upon the crankshaft of a partially disassembled engine. The timing chain adjusting device is rotated (along with the crank shaft) to align the crank shaft in the top dead center position. Subsequently, the cam shaft is likewise rotated to be in alignment with the crank shaft and the timing chain adjusting device is installed to insure that the crank shaft gear and the cam shaft gear were properly positioned with respect to each other before the timing chain was installed.

Abstract: A gauge for releasable attachment to internal combustion engines at the starter motor mounting point for determining proper positioning and selection of starter motor housings for the individual engine. The gauge includes a housing with a base surface portion having a configuration defining a gauge mounting pad, along with bores to receive bolts for attachment of the housing to the engine block. A pivot pin mounts an elongated lever within the housing for pivotal rotation about the pin, and a reference scale is attached to the housing so that the position of the lever arm within the housing is ascertainable by the scale. A pinion mounting yoke is mounted on the opposed end of the lever and is arranged to appropriately position the pinion in proper and standard engagement with the teeth of the ring gear on the engine flywheel.

Abstract: An adapter for facilitating the use of a device, such as an inclinometer, to measure the angular inclination of components in a vehicular drive train system is disclosed. The adapter includes a rectangular bracket having a flat upper surface and a lower surface. The bracket includes first and second legs extending from the lower surface and terminating in respective flat end surfaces. The end surfaces define a plane which is precisely parallel to the flat upper surface of the bracket. The inclinometer may be mounted in one of two different orientations on the flat upper surface of the bracket. The legs are spaced apart a predetermined distance to allow the end surfaces to engage flats machined on the surface of a full round end yoke of a universal joint without interference from the end flange portion of the bearing cap.

Abstract: A push rod gauge for finding the optimum length of push rods in a push rod engine. The gauge has a mounting bracket which is affixed to a cylinder head after the rocker arm has been removed, a push rod holding channel is held by the face plate and has measuring marks on its outer surface. A push rod member is placed in the conventional position of a push rod and the cam shaft is turned. The position at which the push rod moves an equal length above and below a zero line mark is noted. A push rod is then adjusted or cut to this preferred length. The device can be used on any engine having push rods.

Abstract: A method of measuring the preload clearance in a double row rolling bearing. The method includes the steps of fixing the outer end face of the first inner ring in position while subjecting the outer end face of the second inner ring to a first load in a direction which moves the second inner ring toward the first inner ring at a relatively smaller constant amount so as not to reduce the preload clearance to zero, and obtaining a value H.sub.1 corresponding to the position of the outer end face of the second inner ring. Fixing the outer end face of the first inner ring in position while subjecting the outer end face of the second inner ring to a second load in a direction which moves the second inner ring toward the first inner ring at a relatively larger, constant amount enough to reduce the preload clearance to zero and obtaining the value H.sub.2 corresponding to the position of the outer end face of the second inner ring. Then calculating the difference between the value H.sub.1 and the value H.sub.

Abstract: A frame has sensors mounted thereon for engaging selected portions of a sand core and generating signals proportional to sensed dimensions of the sand core. A control unit compares the sensor signals with a zero reference dimension and a dimensional tolerance range for each sensed dimension of the sand core and generates an indication of acceptable/unacceptable core dimensions. A computer monitor and/or light panel is activated by the control unit and provides a visual indication for each sensed dimension by means of numeric data, color, directional arrows or distinct illuminated lights of an acceptable/unacceptable and even a marginally acceptable sand core.

Abstract: The wheel alignment kit and method related to a wheelless alignment technique employing a pair of alignment fixtures which cooperate with a corresponding pair of turntables to support the vehicle in place of its wheels and to facilitate easy access to the strut assemblies of the vehicle for alignment purposes. The kit also includes an electronic camber gauge tool adopted to be mounted on the fixtures to provide a user with an instantaneous camber reading. A pair of toe gauge tools adapted to be mounted on the fixtures cooperate with a datum line to provide the user with an instantaneous toe reading.

Abstract: An apparatus and process which can be used to determine the top dead center position of a piston. The apparatus includes an actuator plunger which engages the rocker lever of an engine cylinder, and a gauge indicator to measure movement in the rocker lever when it is engaged by the piston. The process includes measuring the position of the piston on the upswing of the power cycle and in a corresponding position on the downswing of the piston during the exhaust cycle. The center point between these two measurements is the top dead center point of the piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the coordinates of a vehicle seat hip pivot axis, or H-point, including a vehicle seat assembly (10) supported on a support structure (30). The support structure (30) having x and z coordinate grid lines and an alignment pick-up bar (82) for aligning the seat (10) along predetermined x and z coordinate grid lines. A seat occupant simulating manikin (32) is positioned on the seat (10) for defining the vehicle seat hip pivot axis. Measuring device (92) for aligning and measuring the hip pivot axis, or H-point, includes a guide (120) fixedly supported at predetermined x,z coordinates on the support structure (30) for guiding a housing member (94) along an x-axis. A telescoping member (96) slidably extends from the housing member (94) along a y-axis and a measuring pointer (108) extends from the telescoping member (96) along a z-axis to align with and measure the hip pivot axis, or H-point, on the manikin.

Abstract: Timing pin apparatus for locking a fly wheel of a diesel engine in place for timing purposes includes a housing securable to a bell housing of a diesel engine and a timing pin movable in the housing and into the bell housing to engage a detent in the diesel engine flywheel. The timing pin is spring loaded to engage the flywheel and to retract from the flywheel. A sleeve disposed about the housing loads and unloads a spring for urging the timing pin into the detent in the flywheel when loaded, and when unloaded allows a second spring to automatically retract the pin from flywheel engagement.

Abstract: A service tool kit to perform synchronizing, fuel setting and fuel timing on a diesel truck engine. These adjustments are done without removing the rocker arm assemblies through the use of the access positioning tool included in the kit. All three calibrations can be made by inserting a holding fixture and other associated tools into the injector area without engine bolt removal or separate dial indicator setup.

Abstract: In order to check a vehicle for sagged coil springs, vertical distances are measured between the axis of each wheel and a predetermined location on the vehicle body, e.g., the underside of the fender. Those measured distances are compared with established values for that vehicle make and model. To facilitate that measurement a tool is elastically bent and the ends of the tool are mounted by friction-fit against the inside periphery of a wheel rim. The bent tool forms a convex bulge, the apex of which is aligned with the wheel axis and is disposed in or near a vertical plane in which the measurement is to be made. A reference mark provided at the apex of the bulge facilitates a measurement with a ruled tape measure.

Abstract: A solid, non-adjustable checking fixture adaptable for use in checking distances at selected angles off vertical to each of the tires and fenders or other type guards over the tires of all vehicle models. The fixture serves to permit fast and efficient manual checking of such distances in order to comply with E.E.C. "European Tire Coverage Standard." The fixture includes plates mounted on a base at the specified angles, and markings on the base having scales proportioned horizontally to heights of respective points along the angled plates corresponding to the vertical heights of the centers of the wheel axles.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining ride height includes an adapter removably mountable on a wheel of a vehicle while the wheel is mounted on the vehicle, an arm movably mounted with respect to the adapter for movement from a rest position to extended, measuring positions, and distance determining circuitry. The arm has a first end for contacting the vehicle when the arm is extended, contact between the arm and the vehicle halting movement of the arm. The distance traveled by the arm from its rest position to contact with the vehicle is a function of the ride height of the vehicle. The circuitry determines the distance of travel of the arm from its rest position to contact with the vehicle and determines ride height from the distance of travel. The method of determining ride height includes mounting a sensor housing on a wheel of a vehicle while the wheel is mounted on the vehicle, which sensor housing contains at least one sensor for obtaining wheel alignment measurements and defines a path therein.

Abstract: A tool arranged to receive a rocker arm of an internal combustion engine to direct the rocker arm to displace a valve and thereby permit measuring of such linear displacement is provided. The tool is arranged to include a first wall mounting a handle, and a second wall having a rocker arm receiving surface to effect rotation of the rocker arm about its fulcrum, with an abutment rod arranged to engage the valve assembly in its displacement.

Abstract: A peephole for a built-in lighting fixture type aiming device. A frame portion projected on an edge portion of an opening portion is formed on the side thereof with an engaging groove, a frame type hook plate is placed in contact with the peripheral edge of a window glass by a spring member and engaged by a hook with the engaging groove provided in the frame portion, and a seal gasket is held by the frame portion and the window glass with the aid of elasticity of the frame type hook plate to provide an airtight construction. The window glass is mounted by the frame type hook plate avoiding the need for a threaded mounting.

Abstract: A method of making design models allowing for CAD data verification of interior and exterior styled surfaces comprising the following steps. Initially, the interior and exterior surfaces of the proposed design are mathematically modeled. A series of separable parts of said design are defined. At least one bench mark plane is provided within the interior and exterior surfaces of a first part of the design. An exterior surface is shaped on an exterior portion of the first part of the design. Likewise, an interior surface is shaped on an interior portion of the first part of the design. The interior portion and the exterior portion are separated from each other at the bench mark plane when the interior portion is formed. The interior portion and exterior portion are assembled together at the bench mark plane. Finally, the separable parts or modules are assembled together at the boundaries. The method further allows for the disassembly of particular modules and their modification in holding fixtures.

Abstract: A method of aligning front wheels of a vehicle so that the steering wheel of the vehicle is centered when the vehicle is driven including the steps of aligning the front wheels in centered positions corresponding to straight ahead driving while the steering wheel is immobilized in a centered position likewise corresponding to straight-ahead driving and then turning the steering wheel from a first off-center position through its centered position in a first direction and from a second off-center position through its centered position in an opposite second direction with at least a fraction of the weight of the vehicle on the front wheels.

Abstract: A gage for use in mounting a slack adjuster having one end having an opening adapted to removably couple the slack adjuster to a brake control shaft and an opposite end having an opening adapted to removably receive a bearing pin for rotatably coupling the slack adjuster to a clevis adjustably mounted on a brake actuating push rod, wherein the gage includes an elongated body having first and second ends, the first end having a first bearing surface adapted to engage with an outer surface of the control shaft, and the second end having a second bearing surface adapted for engagement with the bearing pin and an indicator for indicating when the position of the clevis lengthwise of the push rod provides a given angle between an axis extending lengthwise of the push rod and a line drawn through centers of the control shaft and the bearing pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a vehicle steering wheel is disclosed comprising a steering wheel angle measuring tool which measures the instantaneous position of an unfixtured steering wheel from a vertical axis of the steering wheel. The apparatus further includes a toe angle measuring unit which continuously measures the toe angle of the vehicle and a processor which dynamically determines a desired toe angle based upon the instantaneous position of the steering wheel and the measured toe angle. The vehicle steering wheel rotates freely throughout the process of the present invention. A method for centering a vehicle steering wheel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable wheel measuring gauge is capable of use in making multiple wheel measurements for identifying wheels. The gauge includes an elongated ruler with a first mating lug and a slider with a second mating lug. The ruler is generally rectangular in cross-section and has a pair of opposite top and bottom faces. Multiple measuring scales in millimeters and inches are provided on the top face. The first mating lug is fixedly attached at one end of the ruler and projects from the bottom face of the ruler. The first lug is adapted for self-centered mating with a desired location on a wheel to be measured. The slider defines a channel open at its opposite ends for receiving the ruler and mounting the slider in a sliding relation on the ruler. The slider has base and window portions bounding opposite sides of the channel and disposed along the opposite faces of the ruler. The window portion overlies the scales on the top face of the ruler.

Abstract: A tool arranged for the testing of automotive components, such as ball joints, is provided to include a handle pivotally mounted to an "L" shaped positioning leg. The positioning leg includes an upper cylinder mounted to the leg to receive a stud portion of a ball joint therethrough, with the lower cylindrical member defining a cup to receive a lowermost portion of a ball joint therewithin to permit pivotment of the "L" shaped leg relative to a handle pivotally mounted through the "L" shaped leg indicating deflection of a ball joint when the handle is pivoted relative to the "L" shaped leg. A modification of the invention includes magnetic insert members, each including parallel support legs to receive opposing ends of a shock absorber such as a gas-filled shock absorber to indicate resistance and deflection of the shock absorber in use.

Abstract: A probe is an elongated tube with sensors positioned to match the cylinder bores with respect to number and distance apart and having radially projecting contact pins. When employed as intended, the probe rotates and slides back and forth in stationary bearings that are in turn accommodated in uprights in a stand. The probe extends through the bores of the work, which is precisely positioned between the uprights by the same bearings. A drive unit with a driveshaft in alignment with the probe and with motors that operate in conjunction with the latter to generate a translation and a rotation respectively is also mounted stationary in the stand independent of the aforesaid bearings. One end of the probe is coupled to the driveshaft such that it can neither rotate on nor slide axially along it by a universal joint that compensates within limits for angular error and radial shaft displacement.

Abstract: A tool for visually indicating the relative crankshaft and piston position at top dead center for an internal combustion engine of the type having a threaded opening for a spark plug positioned above the piston's top surface. The tool consists of a base which has threads for attachment in the spark plug opening, an outer tubular member supported by the base to allow it to slide upward through the base in response to urging of the top of the piston moving toward the base but otherwise being frictionally secured to the base, and an inner member equal in the length dimension to the outer member and supported by the outer member in a manner allowing it to initially move upward with the outer tubular member as urged by the piston but also allowing it to move with the piston away from the base and the outer member whereby changes in the alignment of the exterior ends of the members indicates piston movement past top dead center.