Adjusting toe alignment relates to moving the tires either inward or outward. An alignment machine takes into account the amount of free play in the steering system and factors in compensation. Test for free play by lifting the front wheel off the ground and shaking the tire from left to right. If the tires are set straight ahead, as soon as the vehicle starts moving, the free play causes the tires to toe outward by the amount of the free play.
Measure the distance between the front inside of the tires and the rear inside of the tires by putting the measuring tape on the most-inside tread of the driver's side tire and measuring to the most-inside tread of the passenger tire. Put the measuring tape on the vertical center of the tire on the front and rear of the tire (there are two measurements). Write or remember both measurements. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it on jack stands.
Loosen the lock nut on the outer tie rod, using a wrench on late-model vehicles. On early models that use an adjustment sleeve, loosen the two pinch bolts, using a wrench.
Adjust the toe by adjusting the tie rods. If the tires are toed in (as in pigeon toed--the front measurement is less than the back measurement), move the front of the tires outward. If the steering gear and tie rods are located on the spindle near the rear of the tire, turn the driver's-side tie rod clockwise exactly one turn. Turn the passenger side in (clockwise) the exact same amount. Measure the toe again and adjust as necessary until the tires are the same distance front and rear. If the steering gear is located toward the front of the vehicle, turn the tie rods in the opposite direction to toe the tires outward.
Compensate for free play. Once the tires are set straight ahead, turn the tie rods equally a small amount to toe the tires in by 1/16 inch to compensate for the free play. When the vehicle moves, the tires will toe out that 1/16 inch and should be close to zero toe in.
Back the vehicle up a short distance and pull it straight forward. Check the steering wheel for an off-center situation. If the steering wheel is slightly off center, this can be corrected by turning the tie rod ends the exact same amount, but in opposite directions.
Tighten the lock nuts on the tie rods, using a wrench. Watch for unusual tire wear on the sides of the tires. This type of alignment will be very close but seldom perfect. The vehicle should be aligned on a machine if any wear becomes apparent.
