Alignment "checker"

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

NASCAR drivers put a RED tape on their steering wheel @ 12:00 position, so they can somewhat know if their alignment has been knocked out of whack.
Might be an interesting thing to try, after doing front end overhauls, etc. Just to see if it changes, as things "settle" in, or if hitting POT HOLES/DEER/ROCKS/ARMADILLOS, etc, affect it
Bill Curious

 

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

Interesting, but I'd think you could notice any movement by the spokes.
About 20 years ago, I hit an 8" curb going over a small overpass. I practically tore the right front a frame off the truck. The steering wheel was almost 90° out. Decided with 240,000 miles to just buy a new van. Later, I noticed they had ramped the step.

 

[krzewinskibe]

Are you sure that's the reason? I thought it was for the fact they have quick-removable steering wheels and they know to turn it to 12 o'clock before removing the wheel so it was indexed properly when they put it back on.

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Are you sure that's the reason? I thought it was for the fact they have quick-removable steering wheels and they know to turn it to 12 o'clock before removing the wheel so it was indexed properly when they put it back on.

The steering wheels have a "MASTER SPLINE"!
Bill NASCAR

 

[Big hammer]

I used the tape trick on my grandsons quarter midgets so I could see how their cars where handling! Left turns only, if the steering wheel was being turn right in the corners, loose carI If the steering wheel is being turned more to the left, tight car! I did not have to rely on a 6 year old to tell me how his car was handling. I wish we where still racing, they chose soccer :-( over racing oh well more time working on my A

 

[Ron/IA]

Bill is correct the steering wheels have a master spline, and can only be put on one way. Also, the tape may tell the driver has an alignment problem, but more likely what he feels thru the steering wheel and the seat of his pants will tell him more.

The reason for the tape at the 12:00 o'clock position on the steering wheel is for pit stops. By placing the tape at 12:00 o'clock when stopped, the front wheels are now perpendicular to the tire changer, and the wheel will come out of the wheel well (there is very little clearance around the tire).

 

[Wick]

I thought the tape was for when your in a spin you could tell where the wheels were pointed?