Tracking

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 2:43 pm

Okay guys just looking for a quick but of advice, had 2 new front Yokohama Fleva v701 tyres fitted in 205 55 15 and so far they are brilliant. The slight niggle I have is that the tracking has been done and the steering wheel is slightly to the right when going in a straight line. No discredit to the guy that done it as the camber was slightly different in the drivers side so it could be due to that.

What I'm wondering is, as it's set with a slight toe in, can I move the drivers side toe out just a touch to bring the steering wheel a touch straighter? Am I right in thinking this will just bring total toe closer to zero and bring the steering wheel back a touch? Then I can just get a free check at kwik fit or somewhere after.

It had slight toe out before and although it wasnt as good for motorway it did turn in very nicely.

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 3:35 pm

If the tracking has been done, then you shouldn't need to touch it. You should be able to move the steering wheel one tooth round to straighten it up.

That is normally what you do last when you do tracking

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 3:58 pm

The steering wheel is centered perfectly with the rack, so it has equal turns lock to lock. I dont want to change that

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:33 pm

If the wheel is centred on the rack then is the rack centred on the track rod ends? Or is one bent?

I would say you need to get it looked at by someone that knows what they are doing that can check everything and set it up right. There may be something throwing it off somewhere else.

If you go stabbing in the dark you will just end up scrubbing the new tyres

I have always put my cars on a Hunter machine and the E30s will go on one as they go back on the road.

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:43 pm

Thanks for your input, I could leave it as it is, its handling beautifully and the steering wheel is only a fraction to the right. I just thought in an attempt to bring the steering wheel back to centre I could give the drivers side a tiny adjustment as there is slight toe in at the moment, it would only put the total toe to zero or a touch out at worst.

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:47 pm

You need to adjust both sides by the same amount to bring the steering wheel to the centre.

It should have been clamped in the centre when they did the tracking.

Ben

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 6:03 pm

BenHar wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:47 pm
You need to adjust both sides by the same amount to bring the steering wheel to the centre.

It should have been clamped in the centre when they did the tracking.

Ben

THIS and only this.

Post Fri Mar 13, 2020 10:11 pm

Brianmoooore wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 13, 2020 6:03 pm

BenHar wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:47 pm
You need to adjust both sides by the same amount to bring the steering wheel to the centre.
It should have been clamped in the centre when they did the tracking.
Ben
THIS and only this.

..............unless there is something bent on one side or the steering wheel was not put on straight by someone previously.

But if the steering wheel is straight and nothing is bent then make sure you adjust one side the same amount in the opposite direction as the other to keep the same tracking but centre the wheel.

My guess one side is tight and they just adjusted one side

Post Sat Mar 14, 2020 7:33 am

I think I'm right in saying that if the rack is centered and the steering wheel is on the correct spline, removing the key and activating the steering lock should clamp everything at straight ahead. However there is still some movement of the front wheels as the steering lock has a tiny amount of play... so you need to clamp the steering wheel as well.

Then the toe should be set ... 18 minutes toe-in total.

I took mine to Quick Fit and they set it up with a non centered wheel..it didnt affect the handling but feels bloody odd when you are driving...it just feels wrong.

I built a pair of turntables for 50 quid and bought a track ace ... it's good being able to do all this yourself.

Paul

Post Sat Mar 14, 2020 10:14 am

Okay thanks guys, I will leave it alone as the steering wheel is only slightly off and its driving lovely. I just thought a very small adjustment on the drivers side would bring the steering wheel back a touch and not make a significant difference on the total toe.

Post Sat Mar 14, 2020 5:55 pm

If both sides have been recently moved then it is very easy to adjust both by the same amount to bring it straight.

Ben

Post Sun Mar 15, 2020 3:58 pm

Yes thanks Ben, I think I'm going to take a measurement between a part of tread on the two front wheels and then adjust both sides equally, at least having a measurement to back it up will mean it should be accurate.

I may invest in some toe plates soon (or the trackace Paul mentioned) so I can do the alignment at home, it should pay for itself within a couple of years.

Post Sun Mar 15, 2020 9:46 pm

Just turn them both by the same amount.

ie. try a quarter turn each side.

Ben