When it comes to doing a wheel alignment, you can put your car on a fancy electronic wheel alignment table. Or, you can try a wheel alignment the way we do it. We use magnesium turn plates.
To get set up you are going to need a few tools;
- Acculevel electronic camber tool
- Wheel Alignment plates, times four. You buy as a pair.
- Tables to raise the car. (optional)
- Poles, string, and a way to hang the poles.
- Tape Measure.
- Steering wheel lock tool.
- Brake lock tool.
What do the Turn Plates do?
The turn plates let the wheels move when the weight of the car is on them. You need the wheels to move when performing a wheel alignment. Caster, Camber, and Toe can all be measured on the wheel turn plates.
The magnesium part of these turn plates is the best part. We have a set of steel ones in the shop and this new set of magnesium ones. The mag ones are so much better. Better for use and storage because they weigh so much less than a steel set!
Watch our video, doing a wheel alignment
Steel Vs. Magnesium Alloy
The biggest difference with these turn plates from what we had in the shop before is the material. The steel plates do the job just as well as the magnesium ones. The weight savings is what you get from the magnesium alloy. It may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Setting up, storing, and using the turn plates is all easier when they weigh less.
The difference between steel and magnesium alloy is 16lbs versus 52lbs! And that is just one turntable. Times two, 16lbs versus 104lbs, and you can get some understanding of the huge difference!
Details of the alloy Turn Plates
Specifications:
Material: Magnesium Alloy
Dimensions: Length x Width x Height = 15.75×15.75×1.97in
Rotation Angle: 360°
Sliding Distance: 60°
A Set Net Weight: About 32lbs
Package List:
2 x Turntable/Turn Plate
Two Rubber Transition Blocks
Rubber Thrust Pads x 2
Get set up for your next wheel alignment
Next time we clean out the shop, we are going to sell the steel turntables. It is just so much nicer to work with the lightweight versions, that it is not worth it to keep the steel plates.
You may be working on the floor, or on custom tables like us, but either way, you will appreciate this lightweight tool.
You may be interested in “why we opted for a scissor lift”
