Ryannn
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,421
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Apr 11, 2012 16:22:18 GMT
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Afternoon!
I want to do the tracking on my mini tomorrow as I've fitted a new steering rack. Can I do this myself with no specialist tools? It's not far out but it's pulling to the right in normal driving.
I've google'd it but most of the links show proper kits. Any recommendations of methods would be appreciated! ;D
Thanks
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dgo
Part of things
Posts: 41
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Apr 11, 2012 16:59:16 GMT
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If you google for the string technique you should find a number of sites that help e.g. www.elantragtclub.com/id554.html (not used this one but should give you an idea of what's involved) However are you sure it's tracking, pulling to one side is not usually tracking but can be worn bushes, or other suspension misalignment. Is the right hight the same both sides or do you have worn suspension knuckle joints i.e. these: www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?ty=pb&pid=33828&title=Also have you had anything apart? I had my old 1275GT done professionally a good few years ago (wish I still had it) and in the end we needed to undo the front subframe and move it slightly to straighten it with respect to the car! Just a couple of mm but made all the difference |
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Apr 11, 2012 17:01:12 GMT
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Track car dudes often use fishing line or thin string parallel to the car. You can build something along these lines very cheap yourself.  or slightly more advanced  Many people claim this is a lot more precise than having a garage do it for you. Just make sure it's absolutely square with the car ;D I've also seen garages use a adjustable rod, with z-shaped ends, which go between the insides of the rims. Needless to say I wouldn't pay for tracking done that way ;D |
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Last Edit: Apr 11, 2012 20:24:16 GMT by dude
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Ryannn
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,421
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Apr 11, 2012 17:18:57 GMT
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Thanks Guys If you google for the string technique you should find a number of sites that help e.g. www.elantragtclub.com/id554.html (not used this one but should give you an idea of what's involved) However are you sure it's tracking, pulling to one side is not usually tracking but can be worn bushes, or other suspension misalignment. Is the right hight the same both sides or do you have worn suspension knuckle joints I.e. these: www.minispares.com/Product.aspx?ty=pb&pid=33828&title=Also have you had anything apart? I had my old 1275GT done professionally a good few years ago (wish I still had it) and in the end we needed to undo the front subframe and move it slightly to straighten it with respect to the car! Just a couple of mm but made all the difference It's had a bump which was the reason I needed the new steering rack. Nothing else was bent underneath, but would worn cones and knuckles cause it to pull? |
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CIH
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,466
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Apr 11, 2012 20:47:20 GMT
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Could be the tyres if they took a whack, too.
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I am all in favour of doing things yourself where you can, but tracking is IMO best left to a good garage with the right equipment. I used 3 straight edges, a big set-square and a ruler to set my mini when I built it up with new parts, but still took it to the garage to get it done properly afterwards. Despite my best efforts, it was still slightly out.  A couple of millimeters makes all the difference between being correct and ruined tyres, and there is not a single straight line on a mini to take as a reference point either.......Its a lot of faff for something that might be correct and you will not really notice it being slightly out until your tyres start to wear out on one edge. Avoid kwik-fit etc, and ask around for a decent independant tyre place that comes recommended. |
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1986 Panda 4x4.
1990 Metro Sport.
1999 Ford Escort estate.
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Apr 12, 2012 13:32:23 GMT
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1953 Minor (Long term project)
PT Cruiser
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