10 replies to this topic

[Dean_]

Hi, i could do with some thoughts on my tracking setup please.

I have a 1985 city e 998

If I track the front wheels to 1mm toe out with the steering rack centered (lock to lock) my left track rod end is wound almost all the way in and the right rod end a long way out? Which I'm concerned it may not have enough thread engagement left.
(if anyone has a spare rack or inner tie rod that they could measure the length of the threads that would be handy)

If I track the car 1mm toe out with both track rod ends fairly equal I have half a turn more lock to the right losing the lock to the left?

Nothing looks bent underneath but it's left me scratching my head.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Edited by Dean_, 16 July 2023 - 08:09 AM.

[nicklouse]

Have you got any pictures?

 

just sounds like something is fitted incorrectly.

[colinf1]

Remove the plug on the passenger side of the steering rack (under carpet, remove grommet in toe board, unscrew plug with he bit) and centre rack with a 6mm drill bit.

Then go from there knowing that the rack is centralised rather than relying on lock to lock method

[Dean_]

Colinf1
I've just removed the plug from the rack and hole is lined up perfect with the steering wheel straight👍

I'm not sure how to add photos but the right time rod has 25mm of threads exposed and the left 8mm.

The car has been on the road for the last 5 years with no problems when I had the track rods even I just thought I would have alook at why I had limited left lock.

I replaced the track rod ends when I built the car but up for the road. Is it possible that the a previous owner could have fitted different tie rods? Is the different length avaliable?

Thanks

[sonscar]

It is very unlikely but the steering arms on the hub may not be the same as some earlier cars had different angle ones fitted.Who knows what has been done over the years,Steve..

[GraemeC]

Check how centred the steering rack input spigot is in the hole in the floor pan - at the end of the column.

Even if it is centred, try loosening the rack clamps and shift it across a bit - going by your measurements about 8mm shift will equal things up

[Dean_]

Check how centred the steering rack input spigot is in the hole in the floor pan - at the end of the column.

Even if it is centred, try loosening the rack clamps and shift it across a bit - going by your measurements about 8mm shift will equal things up

Ive loosened off the rack clamps today and manage to move the whole rack across to the right but only by 1-2mm.

I've wound the right track rod end right off and with the tracking set up with the rack centred there is only 5mm of thead engagement which I'm not happy with running on so have reset both rod ends equal again but loose just under half a turn off left lock. It doesn't really affect my day to day driving but surely that not right?

[colinf1]

Are the rack end rods measuring the same length? Maybe the threads had been damaged on one side so a section was cut off?

[Spider]

I'd say you've either got a bent steering arm or a MKI type fitted on the LH side.

[Dean_]

Thanks for all the replys.
Hopefully this weekend I will have time to measure the inner tie rods and drop arms on the hubs one of these must be bent or wrong

[Dean_]

Finally got some time to look at the car.
Everything seemed to measure up the same side to side, I can only think the whole subframe is slightly out of line?

For now I have fitted a 5mm longer rod end on the right side and now I have pretty much the same thread engament on both sides with a centred rack.

Just thought I would update.
Thanks