Setting toe

[SPEEDER51]

We went to scale our kart last week and check the front end with the accutoe. We have the laser adapter that slides inside the axle and the front end mirror also has the camber bubbles on it. It felt like we just kept chasing our tail.

After some heavy contact a couple of weeks ago either the toe lock was knocked out of wack or the toe was way off so we squared the right side which was off by almost a 1/4 inch, then we set the toe on the left. Went back to check the right side and it was off by 1/8 so we squared it again and went back to set the left which had also moved. Went back to the right again and it was now off by 1/16th. Went back to the left and set it again. Went back to the right and it held. Are we doing something wrong or is something loosed/worn out and in need of changing?

 

[mike97760]

Have you checked all the spindle and kingpin bearings as well as the steering rod ends for play?

 

[flattop1]

Toe locks can have some play in them as well .
Also need to lift the front end up to take any set that the tires may have out .
Square the right and reset the toe lock . They can move , the pins also bend

 

[SoCo Tire Treatments]

Lift the front end everytime you set the toe and lower back onto the scales and check it, and keep steering wheel in one position if theres any play at all. Even with a toe lock theres still some play in the steering.

 

[Chipg56]

For consistency and to eliminate play we always attach a weak bunji cord from the steering wheel to the frame or a weight. Some will use a 2 or 3 pound weight. A bent rear axle could also cause this as you probably don't lock it in on place during the process.

 

[flattop1]

Yes the axle alway set the rr vavle stem down to eliminate that issue .

 

[Lightning3]

As noted above, make sure to lift the kart after every adjustment. After everything is set I like to raise and lower the kart a few times to make sure the results continue to repeat. You need to set toe with the driver in the kart. Also, make sure the laser isn't making contact with the body or rub rail.

I understand you had heavy contact a few weeks ago. Where was the impact (front, back, side)? 1/4" out on toe should have been easily recognized with the bare eye. If it was truly out by that much you had to bend something. Are you able to turn / adjust the tie rods on both sides?