1800: Wheel alignment/ tracking.

[volvonic272]

Hi,
Having rebuilt all the steering and suspension I now need to get the tracking done.
The only way I can see it can be adjusted is by having to remove the track rod ends at the tapered pin and turning it in the threaded bar. Then replace it and check again.
Is that correct or am I missing something.

Thanks
Dave

[davidw6092]

On the central steering bar one end is left hand thread,the other right,so by undoing the locking nuts and turning the bar it is either lenthgened or shortened to adjust the tracking...if its not seized up!

[volvonic272]

Thanks Dave,
I was trying to get my head around how to adjust the tracking.
I've screwed each track rod end onto the bar so that equal amounts of thread are showing. It was late at night so not done anymore since.
I want to get it as near as I can and then take it to get it tracked.
I'm hoping they know how to do it at the tyre place..

Thanks
Dave

[Ron Kwas]

Dave;

Tracking, and Toe-in is one of the things you could actually do yourself pretty simply (AND easily). Simply use a measuring stick adequately long to reach under the car from one side to the other, and compare dimension of a similar circumferential point on the tire in front of wheel, to back of wheel.

Adjust at Tie-rod..there's no need to take anything apart...and your tire place better know how to check and adjust this!

See also: http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/175

Good Hunting

[volvonic272]

Thanks Ron,
I have some new Minilite wheels to fit. There aren't any tyres on the new rims.
As the front tyres are different makes and the wrong size.
My plan is/ was to jack up the front of the car under the suspension arms, fit the new wheels so that I could measure from the edges of the rims.
Adjust so that the distances are equal at the front and back of the rim, then adjust the toe in to -2mm.
How does that sound?

Dave

[Ron Kwas]

Dave;

Sounds fine...it's certainly OK to make measurements from the wheels...the point is to make them from (side) equal points, so these are your pick(!)...but, you must always make measurements while suspension is under normal loading (not lifted!), so after fitting wheels, you would have to let the front end down, but onto some 4-5 inch high wooden blocks (Wheel Chocks & HAND BRAKE!), then proceed with measurements and adjustments.

BTW...my compliments on your Wheel choice!...Minilites and their variants are my absolute favorite!

Cheers

[volvonic272]

Again thanks Ron,
I was awaiting your reply before I did anything. I'll do it the way you suggest. I will get it checked professionally. I didn't want to drive to the tyre place with it scrubbing the tyres.
Minilites, like you, I have always like the look of them. Lucky I guess that they are still manufactured, and secondly they are made not too far away from where I live so I went and collected them.
The downside, they are a common fitment to 1800's and Amazons, but I like them and they do suit the car.
I've gone for the 5j's with standard size, 165x15 tyres.
Hopefully keep the steering light.

Thanks
Dave

[classicswede]

Get the caster and camber angles checked and adjusted while you are there