Hands-On Innovation: How EZ-Toe™ Simplifies Toe Adjustments

Vehicle steering systems are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, with steering technology introducing features like electric assist, active alignment systems, and steer-by-wire. Because of this, alignment equipment must rise to meet the challenge. That’s where we come in. 

Built with technician efficiency and vehicle complexity in mind, our EZ-Toe™ feature shows the kind of smart, practical design Hofmann® is known for. By simplifying one of the most sensitive aspects of the alignment process, EZ-Toe™ helps shops increase throughput without compromising precision. 

Why Toe Adjustment Matters 

Toe angle adjustments are important in maintaining proper vehicle handling, minimizing tire wear, and keeping a centered steering wheel. Yet with the increasing integration of electronic steering systems, achieving precise toe alignment has gotten trickier. A misstep in this phase of the alignment can lead to premature component wear or unnecessary repeat visits, and these issues can affect both shop efficiency and customer trust. 

The EZ-Toe™ feature addresses this challenge by allowing technicians to perform adjustments with the steering wheel unlocked. This reduces internal torque and eliminates inconsistencies caused by artificial steering tension. 

How EZ-Toe™ Improves Steering Centering and Precision 

Once the initial toe values are brought within range, the system guides the technician through centering the steering wheel using a natural return method. This involves steering from one direction and allowing it to settle at center. Doing so ensures the alignment reflects the true resting position of the steering system, which is a critical factor in modern vehicles. Even slight deviations can influence electronic sensor readings and vehicle tracking. 

Our aligners confirm the steering wheel position without requiring it to be locked in place. This removes the need for time-consuming manual adjustments and avoids introducing pre-load forces that can distort alignment data. EZ-Toe™ supports targeted, side-specific adjustments. It does this by dynamically compensating for changes in steering angle and providing a live data stream that reflects real-time toe movement. This means technicians can confidently fine-tune alignment settings with precision. 

Fewer Do-Overs, More Consistent Alignments 

During final toe equalization, the system verifies that both front wheels show equal and opposite toe readings. This eliminates any guesswork and unnecessary re-adjustments. Subtle changes made during jam nut torquing are anticipated by the system design, delivering consistent results with fewer steps. The aligner automatically handles these checks and adjustments, helping technicians work more efficiently and reducing the chance of rework. 

In cases where the vehicle requires steering angle sensor calibration or a zero-point reset, the system provides a timely prompt. Completing this final step keeps electronic steering systems properly calibrated, which helps avoid downstream errors and supports overall vehicle safety. 

A Smart Feature with Tangible Benefits 

By reducing adjustment complexity and improving steering centering accuracy, EZ-Toe™ improves alignment quality and helps reduce technician fatigue and cognitive load. There’s less second-guessing, fewer repeat corrections, and more time spent moving cars through the bay. The result is measurable improvements in both customer satisfaction and profitability. 

Whether you're working on high-end luxury vehicles or high-mileage daily drivers, our technology makes sure that every alignment is a job done right the first time. At Hofmann®, we engineer solutions that make today’s most demanding alignment tasks easier, faster, and more reliable. After all, precision isn’t just a goal; it’s our standard.