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May 5, 2004
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Bert's Alignment Tech Session
On the evening of May 5th, 2004,
Bert's Alignment and Auto
Service invited PCA and BWM Club members to a very
informative Alignment Tech Session.
Topics covered
included an explanation of the basic components of
alignment (toe, camber, and caster) and their relationship
to handling, the latest computer-assisted equipment in use
today, and a hand-on demonstration including the alignment
of a member's car. In addition to alignment, the
staff explained and demonstrated various techniques used
in wheel balancing.
Even those
members who already consider themselves to be quite
knowledgeable came away with a heightened appreciation of
this very important aspect of car care, as well as an
awareness of how a few minor adjustments might improve
their car’s handling dramatically.
In addition to the technical experience, being
welcomed into the shop and meeting the people one normally
never meets, helped alleviated the fear many an enthusiast
shares of turning his or her baby over to someone who may
not appreciate their pride of ownership and attention to
detail.
To conclude the evening, Bert's also offered members a 10%
discount on tires, wheels and service. Members
wishing to take advantage of this discount are asked to
contact Ron at
Bert's
and must present their membership card. |
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Left:
The evening started with an overview of the latest optical
alignment equipment ...
Right: ... and an explanation of the basics
components of alignment. |
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Left:
Then it was "everyone into the pit."
Right: Not often you get to see what
someone is doing to your car. |
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Left
and Right: Technician and co-owner Ron
correcting a significant toe-out condition on Kris' car while we watched. |
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Left:
Next, a 911SC was put on the rack to demonstrate the
myriad adjustment points Porsche engineers designed into
our cars.
Right: A bird's eye view of what the
computer sees. |
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Left and Right:
Lots of two-way discussion on how different aspects of alignment
affect car control and handling. |
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Left:
Apparently, this is the way Porsches are normally found in
Los Angeles.
Right: Jason explains what the balance computer
sees. |
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Left:
The machine gives the wheel a spin.
Right: The machine guides application of
the wheel weight to the appropriate and invisible location
behind a spoke. |
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Our thanks to
Bert's Alignment and Auto Service,
and specifically to Ron, Henry, Steve, and
Jason
for giving up an evening of their own time to host the
event.
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