Gunson Alignment Gauge: A Worthwhile Investment?

In the realm of automotive maintenance, achieving precise wheel alignment is crucial for optimal tyre wear, fuel efficiency, and overall driving safety. While professional garages offer sophisticated alignment services, many car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics seek more accessible and cost-effective solutions. One such tool that frequently pops up in discussions is the Gunson Car Alignment Gauge. But does it actually work? This article delves into the effectiveness, usability, and limitations of the Gunson alignment gauge, helping you decide if it's a worthwhile addition to your toolkit.

Understanding Wheel Alignment

Before we dissect the Gunson gauge, it's important to grasp the fundamentals of wheel alignment. This process involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so they are set parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. The key angles are:

• Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the top of the tyre when viewed from the front.
• Castor: The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side.
• Toe: The extent to which the front of the tyres turn inward or outward when viewed from above.

Improper alignment can lead to uneven tyre wear (e.g., feathering, cupping), a car pulling to one side, steering wheel vibration, and reduced fuel economy. Maintaining correct alignment is therefore essential for the longevity of your vehicle's components and your driving experience.

What is the Gunson Car Alignment Gauge?

The Gunson Car Alignment Gauge, often referred to as the 'Gunson Trak-King' or similar variations, is a relatively simple, mechanical device designed to measure and help adjust wheel alignment at home. It typically consists of two main components:

• Toe Gauge: This part is usually a long, telescopic bar with adjustable ends that can be placed against the inner or outer edges of the front tyres. It measures the 'toe' angle – whether the tyres are pointing slightly inwards or outwards.
• Camber Gauge: This is a separate, often magnetic, gauge that attaches to the wheel hub or disc. It uses a spirit level or pendulum system to indicate the degree of camber.

The primary appeal of the Gunson gauge lies in its affordability and the promise of DIY alignment, potentially saving money on professional services. It's particularly popular for adjusting 'toe' settings, which are often the most accessible for home mechanics.

How Does the Gunson Alignment Gauge Work?

The operation of the Gunson gauge is based on straightforward mechanical principles:

Toe Gauge Operation:

1. Setup: The telescopic bar is extended to span between the front tyres. The ends are positioned against the tyre sidewalls (usually the inner or outer edges, depending on the specific gauge design and desired measurement). It's crucial to ensure the car is on a level surface for accurate readings.

2. Measurement: The gauge is adjusted until it is precisely touching both tyres. The length of the bar is then noted or the gauge is set to zero. To measure toe-out or toe-in, the bar is then moved to the rear of the tyres. Any difference in the distance between the tyres at the front compared to the rear indicates the toe angle. For example, if the distance at the front is less than at the rear, the car has toe-in.

3. Adjustment: Based on the measurements and the vehicle's specifications (found in the owner's manual or online), the owner can then adjust the track rod ends to correct the toe angle. This usually involves loosening a lock nut, turning the track rod, and then re-tightening the lock nut.

Camber Gauge Operation:

1. Attachment: The magnetic camber gauge is attached to a flat, vertical surface on the wheel hub or brake disc. It's vital that this surface is clean and free from rust or debris for the magnet to hold securely.

2. Reading: The gauge contains a spirit level or a weighted pendulum. When attached, the bubble in the spirit level or the pendulum will indicate the degree of tilt. Most gauges have markings to show positive camber (top of tyre tilted out), negative camber (top of tyre tilted in), and zero camber.

3. Adjustment: Adjusting camber is generally more complex than toe and often requires loosening suspension components like strut bolts or ball joints. This is where DIY adjustments can become more challenging and potentially less accurate with a simple gauge.

Does it Actually Work? The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than professional laser alignment equipment.
• Accessibility: Allows for basic alignment adjustments at home, especially for toe.
• Educational: Helps users understand the principles of wheel alignment.
• Convenience: Can be used whenever needed, without scheduling appointments.
• Initial Toe Check: Useful for quickly checking if the toe setting is drastically off.

Cons:

• Accuracy Limitations: It's a mechanical gauge, prone to inaccuracies due to tyre wear, wheel runout, and the user's ability to position it precisely. It cannot measure caster.
• Ease of Use: Requires a perfectly level surface and careful execution. Misinterpretation of readings or incorrect positioning can lead to worse alignment.
• Camber Adjustment Difficulty: While it can measure camber, accurately adjusting it at home with this tool is difficult and often requires more advanced equipment or knowledge.
• Limited Scope: It primarily measures toe and camber. Caster, another critical alignment angle, cannot be measured by this type of gauge.
• Tyre Condition Dependency: The accuracy of the toe measurement is heavily influenced by the condition of the tyres (e.g., excessive wear on one side can skew readings).
• Not a Replacement for Professional Alignment: For critical adjustments or when dealing with suspension modifications, a professional laser alignment is still the gold standard.

Gunson Gauge vs. Professional Laser Alignment

To put the Gunson gauge into perspective, let's compare it to professional laser alignment systems:

Tips for Using the Gunson Alignment Gauge Effectively

If you decide to use a Gunson alignment gauge, follow these tips to maximise your chances of success:

• Ensure a Level Surface: This is paramount. Even a slight slope can throw off your readings significantly. Use spirit levels on the floor if necessary.
• Check Tyre Pressures: Ensure all tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure before measuring.
• Cleanliness is Key: Make sure the tyres and the surface you attach the camber gauge to are clean and dry.
• Understand Your Vehicle's Specs: Have the correct alignment figures (toe-in/out in degrees or mm) for your specific car model readily available.
• Measure Multiple Times: Take readings and perform adjustments, then re-measure to confirm.
• Focus on Toe: The toe adjustment is the most practical application for DIY users with this gauge. Camber and caster adjustments are best left to professionals unless you have significant experience and the right equipment.
• Consider a Steering Wheel Holder: After adjusting toe, use a steering wheel alignment tool or a simple string method to ensure the steering wheel is centred.
• Be Realistic: Don't expect perfect, professional-grade results. Aim for a reasonable improvement, especially if you're just trying to correct minor toe issues.

When is a Professional Alignment Necessary?

While the Gunson gauge can be a useful tool for basic checks and minor toe adjustments, there are instances where a professional alignment is non-negotiable:

• After Suspension Work: If you've replaced components like ball joints, tie rods, springs, or shock absorbers, a professional alignment is essential.
• Experiencing Pulling or Vibration: If your car is pulling to one side, the steering wheel is off-centre, or you feel vibrations, a professional assessment is needed.
• Uneven Tyre Wear: Persistent uneven tyre wear indicates a more significant alignment problem that requires professional diagnosis.
• Performance Vehicles: Cars with performance suspensions or those used for track driving often require precise, custom alignment settings that a DIY gauge cannot achieve.
• Measuring Caster: If your vehicle's alignment issues are suspected to be related to caster, you will need professional equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can the Gunson alignment gauge measure caster?

A1: No, the standard Gunson alignment gauge is not designed to measure caster. Caster adjustment requires different equipment and techniques.

Q2: Is it difficult to use the Gunson toe gauge?

A2: It requires careful setup on a level surface and precise positioning against the tyres. While not overly complex, accuracy depends heavily on the user's attention to detail.

Q3: How often should I check my wheel alignment?

A3: It's good practice to check alignment annually, or whenever you notice symptoms like uneven tyre wear, pulling, or after hitting a significant pothole.

Q4: Can I adjust camber with the Gunson gauge?

A4: You can measure camber, but accurately adjusting it at home with this tool is challenging due to the complexity of camber adjustment on most vehicles.

Q5: Will using the Gunson gauge void my car's warranty?

A5: Generally, performing basic maintenance like checking alignment with a DIY tool will not void your warranty. However, if an incorrect adjustment causes damage, that specific repair might not be covered.

Conclusion: A Tool with Limitations but Potential Value

So, does the Gunson alignment gauge work? Yes, to a degree. It can provide a reasonably accurate measurement of wheel toe and an indication of camber, allowing for DIY adjustments, particularly for toe. It's an excellent tool for enthusiasts who want to understand their vehicle better, perform basic maintenance, and potentially save money on minor adjustments. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations. It cannot replace the precision and comprehensive angle measurement (including caster) offered by professional laser alignment systems. For critical adjustments, troubleshooting pulling issues, or ensuring optimal tyre life on performance vehicles, a trip to a qualified alignment specialist is still the best course of action. The Gunson gauge is best viewed as a supplementary tool for the home mechanic, rather than a complete replacement for professional services.