Steering rack advice needed
Discussion
Tomorrow I may attempt to put the steering rack back on, the thing concerning me is how to re-attach the steering column and UJ making sure the steering wheel is centred but more importantly that the rack is centred with each tracking rod equally displaced. Or is there another way to re-centre the steering wheel?
You probably won't be able to get it bang on first time round. The tracking will also be miles out until its done properly with gauges.
Have you removed the track rod ends and then put them back on.?
If you have, I can only suggest you wind them half way down the track rod, then get the tracking checked and adjusted ASAP. I usually mark on the thread where they were so I can get pretty close when I re-fit or replace them. They still need to be checked with gauges though as millimeter differences can mean new tires very soon and poor handling.
The steering wheel can be adjusted straight a small amount when the tracking is done.
For example, if, when the car is driving in a straight line, the steering wheel is off to the right. When you straighten the wheel, the wheels point to the left. To straighten the wheel, you wind out the track rod on the N/S so it points the wheel straight, and pull the track rod in on the O/S to do the same with that wheel. Make sure you adjust them equal amounts so as not to upset the setting.
Its hard to explain, but thats the best way I can do it without being there to show you.
Have you removed the track rod ends and then put them back on.?
If you have, I can only suggest you wind them half way down the track rod, then get the tracking checked and adjusted ASAP. I usually mark on the thread where they were so I can get pretty close when I re-fit or replace them. They still need to be checked with gauges though as millimeter differences can mean new tires very soon and poor handling.
The steering wheel can be adjusted straight a small amount when the tracking is done.
For example, if, when the car is driving in a straight line, the steering wheel is off to the right. When you straighten the wheel, the wheels point to the left. To straighten the wheel, you wind out the track rod on the N/S so it points the wheel straight, and pull the track rod in on the O/S to do the same with that wheel. Make sure you adjust them equal amounts so as not to upset the setting.
Its hard to explain, but thats the best way I can do it without being there to show you.
I understand what your saying, I want the steering wheel to be centred, but if I do it that way, when the car is going straight and the wheels are pointing forward, the steering rack is not centred therefore I won't be able to turn the car one way as much as the other because of the offset in the rack. Is there anyway to get around this problem.
I've got someone coming to check the tracking with lazer equipment before it moves an inch.
Gary
I've got someone coming to check the tracking with lazer equipment before it moves an inch.
Gary
jaxdanjo said:
You probably won't be able to get it bang on first time round. The tracking will also be miles out until its done properly with gauges.
Have you removed the track rod ends and then put them back on.?
If you have, I can only suggest you wind them half way down the track rod, then get the tracking checked and adjusted ASAP. I usually mark on the thread where they were so I can get pretty close when I re-fit or replace them. They still need to be checked with gauges though as millimeter differences can mean new tires very soon and poor handling.
The steering wheel can be adjusted straight a small amount when the tracking is done.
For example, if, when the car is driving in a straight line, the steering wheel is off to the right. When you straighten the wheel, the wheels point to the left. To straighten the wheel, you wind out the track rod on the N/S so it points the wheel straight, and pull the track rod in on the O/S to do the same with that wheel. Make sure you adjust them equal amounts so as not to upset the setting.
Its hard to explain, but thats the best way I can do it without being there to show you.
Have you removed the track rod ends and then put them back on.?
If you have, I can only suggest you wind them half way down the track rod, then get the tracking checked and adjusted ASAP. I usually mark on the thread where they were so I can get pretty close when I re-fit or replace them. They still need to be checked with gauges though as millimeter differences can mean new tires very soon and poor handling.
The steering wheel can be adjusted straight a small amount when the tracking is done.
For example, if, when the car is driving in a straight line, the steering wheel is off to the right. When you straighten the wheel, the wheels point to the left. To straighten the wheel, you wind out the track rod on the N/S so it points the wheel straight, and pull the track rod in on the O/S to do the same with that wheel. Make sure you adjust them equal amounts so as not to upset the setting.
Its hard to explain, but thats the best way I can do it without being there to show you.
Thats the way i do wheel alignment checks all the time,even the best equipment wont keep the steering wheel dead straight(although the manafacturer will say otherwise) and you have to make up for these slight amounts by taking it out on the TRE,s,what you take off one you add to the other(1 turn on N/S = 1 turn off O/S for example) this is as long as someone as not upset the steering wheel to steering rack alignment(thats another story) 
i cant stand twisted steering wheels myself even on my everyday hack i would find that annoying,its also the sign of quality workmanship when the customer drives off after having say a new rack fitted and the steering wheel is straight(things like this matter) Edited by That Daddy on Monday 1st September 13:36
4535jacks said:
I understand what your saying, I want the steering wheel to be centred, but if I do it that way, when the car is going straight and the wheels are pointing forward, the steering rack is not centred therefore I won't be able to turn the car one way as much as the other because of the offset in the rack. Is there anyway to get around this problem.
I've got someone coming to check the tracking with lazer equipment before it moves an inch.
Gary
There is no way in hell you'll notice that. It'll be a tiny adjustment that straightens the steering wheel, it will have little to no effect on your turning circle. The way the ackerman angle works will pretty much negate this anyway.I've got someone coming to check the tracking with lazer equipment before it moves an inch.
Gary
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