Tracking An Is200

[collyfield76]

took my car to be tracked at kwick fit guy said only main dealers can track them and its about £130 quid is this true the car is a 2000 model IS200 can anyone help

[Monster-Mat]

no, hes talking out his *****.

[dazz32]

PM Tony@WIM wheels in motion.....dont get lexus to do it the geometry is wrong and it will feather the inside edges of the tyres...Tony has the correct settings so ask him ..... :winky:

[Rikos]

This is why kwik-fit should be banned!! That is such a pile of **** about having to go to a dealer but like dazz has said if you need your tracking doing rather than waste money go and see the doctor........ at WIM.

[WylieCoyote]

I'm suprised Kwik fit stay in business to be honest. Go see the Dr at WIM.

[Rory]

i'm not the cleverest person when it comes to technical stuff like this, infact i'm far from it, but how do so many garages get tracking and geo settings wrong? I thought lots of garages used lasers nowadays, shouldn't they all get it right with lasers?

[WylieCoyote]

i'm not the cleverest person when it comes to technical stuff like this, infact i'm far from it, but how do so many garages get tracking and geo settings wrong? I thought lots of garages used lasers nowadays, shouldn't they all get it right with lasers?

Nor me matey, but from what I understand, the parameters set by Lexus are wrong - they can be set by any garage to the default settings from the manufacturer but if the default values aren't the best for the car then they can't do anymore. Perhaps Tony could offer a better explanation.... I'm no expert.

My gripe about Kwik fit is the foul-mouthed yobs they seem to insist on employing. I really don't appreciate sitting around listening to 'f***ing this' 'f***ing that' etc.

[dave1]

i'm not the cleverest person when it comes to technical stuff like this, infact i'm far from it, but how do so many garages get tracking and geo settings wrong? I thought lots of garages used lasers nowadays, shouldn't they all get it right with lasers?

Nor me matey, but from what I understand, the parameters set by Lexus are wrong - they can be set by any garage to the default settings from the manufacturer but if the default values aren't the best for the car then they can't do anymore. Perhaps Tony could offer a better explanation.... I'm no expert.

My gripe about Kwik fit is the foul-mouthed yobs they seem to insist on employing. I really don't appreciate sitting around listening to 'f***ing this' 'f***ing that' etc.

I have never encountered this at Nuneaton.Very helpful there and are really good. I dont use Coventry branch as I have not found them very good at all but I think it a little unfair to condemn the whole company.

[Tony-Bones]

The objective of Geometry is to place the weight of car at a specific place in the tyres footprint. If done correctly this reduces tyre wear and compliments handling.

Unfortunately Lexus got it wrong for the IS200/300/Sc. I re-wrote the positions some years ago that stopped the problem, in fact the new positions are visible here in the clubs knowledge bank.

Be careful with tracking because it will not measure the angles responsible for the tyre wear..... Let me explain.

Tracking/Alignment

Is linear, this measurement shows no concern for any other angle. This form of measurement is the most common in the World and the most damaging.

Angles measured 1

Four wheel Alignment

Uses the rear wheels as a scale to centre the steering rack.... then the front toe..... this is better but is assuming the rear is centred.

Angles measured 2

Four wheel Laser Alignment

Same as above.... be wise!

Geometry/Primary

Will image the exact rear centre line to permit a centred steering wheel.. additionally the front and rear camber positions will be measured. This is the most common form of Geometry and i consider this as 'basic'

Angles measured 8

Full Geometry/primary and Secondary

Is absolute but harder to understand. Few places even with the equipment measure the Secondary angles, these include...

Castor

KPI/SJI/SAI

Scrub radius

included angle

TOOT/Ackerman

Delta curve

and so on

Most areas that involve rapid tyre wear or handling issues need to be read from the 'Secondary' data, even more important if the car has been modified or for diagnostics after an accident.

Angles measured 15+

Not easy reading indeed, millions of pounds change hands every day for 'Alignment', a need to be wise could save you £ssss

One more thing to make the 'blood boil'.. The Primary and secondary Geometry has a customer destination?

1: Primary is the 'dumb' customer version

2: Secondary is with held unless requested and named the 'Technicians version.

[collyfield76]

took my car to be tracked at kwick fit guy said only main dealers can track them and its about £130 quid is this true the car is a 2000 model IS200 can anyone help

Cheers for your help guys got in touch with Tony at WIM and he has sorted me out thanks again

[Rikos]

Glad you are sorted mate and another case of Dr T to the rescue