Adjusting the tracking on the front wheels

I had replaced the rear steering tie rod joints as the rubbers had split and one had a lot of play in it, and took it to the garage today to get the tracking done (one wheel was noticeably out).

The mechanic said he could not do it because he also needs to adjust the tie rods on the front steering arm as well, and the bolt was seized. The bolt in question was the one that attaches to the hub, he didn't mention the one attached to the steering box end.

Anyway, I was a little confuzzed over this, thinking surely you can adjust the toe in/out with just the rear rod? So tonight I went and had a play, and was able to get the front wheels looking pretty straight after a few adjustments.

So, am I missing something or is the mechanic wrong?

You adjust the tracking with the rear tie rod, just like you have

The tie rod at the front from the steering box to the nearside wheel is mainly used to centralise your steering wheel. It obviously does more, than just centralise, but that's basically what I've adjusted it to do.

fozzie wrote: You adjust the tracking with the rear tie rod, just like you have

The tie rod at the front from the steering box to the nearside wheel is mainly used to centralise your steering wheel. It obviously does more, than just centralise, but that's basically what I've adjusted it to do.

Thanks. That's what I thought. My steering wheel is a bit off but it does not bother me. I will take it to another garage and get them to do it. Luckily the garage today didn't charge me to trying so I have not lost anything.

got mine done a while back at ATS

they use a laser aligner connected to a computer so even a monkey with a spanner can get the correct adjustment.

Halford wrote: got mine done a while back at ATS

they use a laser aligner connected to a computer so even a monkey with a spanner can get the correct adjustment.

Don't suppose if you know if they just adjusted the rear rod?

The ball joints on the front rod are seized solid and would like to avoid having to unseize them.

Normally we complain that they don't adjust the drag link and now the steering wheel is at 90 degrees, with more lock one way than the other

I would have thought that an older mechanic at a backstreet garage would do as you ask if you tell them that you are happy the steering wheel is out.

The young 'uns only do as they have been taught: they clamp the wheel straight, then adjust the wheels straight to their laser rig*, you need him to turn the left wheel straight and adjust the tie rod to get the right wheel to match, like we used to do with the old fashioned optical gauges.

*Otherwise, these new fangled useless electric steering jobbies get all confused, and the three letter acronyms think you are skidding and come over all peculiar. (Or they have to reset the zero on the steering angle)