Mini 4WD Wheel Alignment Guide

Alignment on a Mini 4WD is mostly about getting wheels and axles running true. A wheel that wobbles scrubs speed on every rotation.

Check axle straightness

Roll each axle on a flat surface. Any visible rise and fall means it is bent, and a bent axle cannot be corrected by adjusting the wheel. Treat axles as consumables after heavy contact.

Seat wheels squarely

Wheels must press onto the axle fully and square. A wheel press or installer does this far more consistently than thumb pressure, which tends to start the wheel at a slight angle.

Measure the runout

Spin the axle and watch the rim edge against a fixed reference such as a ruler laid alongside. Visible movement is runout, and it is worth fixing before any other tuning.

True the tyres if needed

Tyres can be trued to run concentric with the axle. Remember that truing reduces diameter, which changes your effective gearing.