Not sure if this is the right section. But does anyone know if we can do this ourself? I always thought it couldnt be done without a lift or something but if I can do it that would be nice

 

Well I took mine to my shop and they had hooked it up to this machine and did this flashing thing to each of the wheels.and aligned that way..but everything else fails, Google or YouTube..I'm sure someone out there has DIY it..

 

No u cant do it yourself. U need an alignment rack. I do them at work almost everyday. Theyre a blast...

 

U can adjust it to get the wheel straight without a rack but it wont be wat is considered having an alignment done

 

4 wheel alignment is only 100 bucks....just go have it done

 

Back in the day they did it with strings and weights, I guess you could try that... But you'll probably still have issues. Just take it somewhere.

 

You can align your car yourself but it is a challenge. You use fishing line tied to jack stands on each side of the car to create a box or perfect square around the tires. You also use some floor tiles sandwiched with grease to make turn plates. You then take measurements from the string to the tires to set the toe by turning tie rod ends. Actual the cobalt only needs a 2-wheel alignment because the rear can not be changed without serious modifications. I aligned my car myself and it has no tire wear and drives straight. You have to know the front and rear track dimensions. It involves more math than anything. You want a little bit of toe out in the front because when the vehicle is in motion the wheels tend to want to toe in by the laws of motion. I am giving away all the secrets here. Also you should put ballast in the front seat that equals your own weight to get a truer alignment reading.

 

haha i didnt know that but if I PERSONALLY didnt work at a shop and have access to a rack to do alignments for free i would probobly just pay the 100 dollar labor charge.