Tracking and wheel issues
Discussion
I got the car balanced up yesterday and tracked ( wanted to put all the weights on the inside as I was advised at Gaydon) but I seem to have walked into some problems. It appears my two front alloys are buckled and need up to 240 grams to get them to settle...so when I said what is the average weight needed, they said 40-60 grams! Strange, but I've never felt any huge wobble or shimmy. (Anyone know if I can have the refurbished or do I need new ones?) Anyway, the weights flew off at around 70 mph and whacked my bonnet but as soon as this happened the steering wheel position altered. If I put it parallel to go straight, it will pull to the left. So I need to turn it slightly to the right to go straight on a flat surface... I took it back and got them to load up the wheels with sticky weights but they said there was nothing wrong with the wheel to track position. They wondered if there are different settings when having coil overs but couldn't find out. He toed in the left wheel +1 but has made no difference. However, it appears the track rod on the passenger side has slight play in it. Think maybe the bearing went in the steering rack?? Or was the actual steering wheel not correctly put on previously? I have a new snap off steering wheel to be fitted next week, should I just line the wheels up to make my steering wheel sit normally if everything is apparently tracked correctly?
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
You need to make sure the rack is central at straight ahead.
You could take the gaiters off to measure the inner track rod balljoints distance from the rack each side, beware some oil will probably come out.
You need to make sure when the rack is central that the outer track rod ends are adjusted so the steering is straight ahead (if everything else is in order then the steering wheel should be level).
I'm not sure this is something you can do accurately yourself, it really needs geo equipment.
You could take the gaiters off to measure the inner track rod balljoints distance from the rack each side, beware some oil will probably come out.
You need to make sure when the rack is central that the outer track rod ends are adjusted so the steering is straight ahead (if everything else is in order then the steering wheel should be level).
I'm not sure this is something you can do accurately yourself, it really needs geo equipment.
Would doubt wheels are buckled, try jacking wheels off ground and make up some sort of little pointer to just touch edge of wheel (not tyre) rotate wheel, does rim move away or get tighter against pointer ? or imagine pointer is a pencil, would it draw a line equal distance from tyre all way round ? ( ie is wheel egg shaped ? )While its in the air grab hold of top and bottom of tyre and try rocking wheel, any movement could be worn wheel bearings.
My S3 had some half worn Avons on front when I bought it and shed loads of weights, had wheels re balanced, still loadsa lead ! New tyres, sensible amounts of weights now required, Tyres damage a lot more easily than wheels which can seriously effect their balance.
Finally if wheels are suspect put them on the back, balance not quite so critical on rear wheels.
My S3 had some half worn Avons on front when I bought it and shed loads of weights, had wheels re balanced, still loadsa lead ! New tyres, sensible amounts of weights now required, Tyres damage a lot more easily than wheels which can seriously effect their balance.
Finally if wheels are suspect put them on the back, balance not quite so critical on rear wheels.
Thanks guys for the help. It did go for a professional fitting, I didn't do it myself so everything I said isn't me having a guess. Phillpot, the alloys rims really do look bent - they put them on a machine that spun them up and you can clearly see a buckle in it 
Front tyres are new too. On the left wheel if you do as you suggested and try to move the wheel back and forth, you can, there is play. Not on right though. Could this be the rack as well, considering if I grab the passenger track rod there is play in this too?
Went for a big drive yesterday and there is certainly a big shimmy at speed coming through the steering wheel now.
Front tyres are new too. On the left wheel if you do as you suggested and try to move the wheel back and forth, you can, there is play. Not on right though. Could this be the rack as well, considering if I grab the passenger track rod there is play in this too? Went for a big drive yesterday and there is certainly a big shimmy at speed coming through the steering wheel now.
Pierce,
I have a full set of the later Oz wheels (slots I think they were called) if you really get stuck. I had intended to keep them as spares but may be prepared to sell if someone on here was desperate. They are all in good condition with no severe scrapes, but with slight pimpling of the surface (not visible but you can feel it if you run your hand over them).
Additionally as you are near Stoneleigh (I believe as you use TVR fix) I could get them to my brother for you to collect. If you are interested contact me and we can discuss.
Mark
Mods, please note this is not an advert of wheels for sale but an offer to help out (by sale)one individual if he needs them.
I have a full set of the later Oz wheels (slots I think they were called) if you really get stuck. I had intended to keep them as spares but may be prepared to sell if someone on here was desperate. They are all in good condition with no severe scrapes, but with slight pimpling of the surface (not visible but you can feel it if you run your hand over them).
Additionally as you are near Stoneleigh (I believe as you use TVR fix) I could get them to my brother for you to collect. If you are interested contact me and we can discuss.
Mark
Mods, please note this is not an advert of wheels for sale but an offer to help out (by sale)one individual if he needs them.
mep12345 said:
Pierce,
I have a full set of the later Oz wheels (slots I think they were called) if you really get stuck. I had intended to keep them as spares but may be prepared to sell if someone on here was desperate. They are all in good condition with no severe scrapes, but with slight pimpling of the surface (not visible but you can feel it if you run your hand over them).
Additionally as you are near Stoneleigh (I believe as you use TVR fix) I could get them to my brother for you to collect. If you are interested contact me and we can discuss.
Mark
Mods, please note this is not an advert of wheels for sale but an offer to help out (by sale)one individual if he needs them.
You have mail !I have a full set of the later Oz wheels (slots I think they were called) if you really get stuck. I had intended to keep them as spares but may be prepared to sell if someone on here was desperate. They are all in good condition with no severe scrapes, but with slight pimpling of the surface (not visible but you can feel it if you run your hand over them).
Additionally as you are near Stoneleigh (I believe as you use TVR fix) I could get them to my brother for you to collect. If you are interested contact me and we can discuss.
Mark
Mods, please note this is not an advert of wheels for sale but an offer to help out (by sale)one individual if he needs them.
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