steering rack toe
05-27-2015, 07:27 PM
#1
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steering rack toe
I took the steering out for service and I am putting it back in now. I noticed that one of my shock is leaking. I know I should take it to alignment shop after touching the steering and tie rod... but I probably going to replace the shocks in a month or so.
The steering rack should change the toe only. (I haven't remove the struts. ) If I "home align" the toe after finish the steering rack job, do you think I can wait until I replace the shocks before doing an alignment?
The steering rack should change the toe only. (I haven't remove the struts. ) If I "home align" the toe after finish the steering rack job, do you think I can wait until I replace the shocks before doing an alignment?
05-27-2015, 08:11 PM
#2
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I'm assuming you removed the tie rods from the steering rack to do the service? If you didn't remove the tie rods from the rack, or if you didn't adjust the outer tie rod, and just took the inner/outer tie rod off as an assembly, your toe shouldn't be changed much, if at all. It may be out of alignment but it shouldn't be so far off that the car isn't OK to drive for a short period. Just don't drive around for long without an alignment or you may get funky tire wear.
I have "eyeballed" an alignment at home a couple of times before in similar situations where I had another planned maintenance or repair item coming up soon that would require another alignment. You can get it close enough to work and avoid paying for two alignments. It's not going to be ideal, but the last time I took in an eyeballed alignment to get it professionally set up, it wasn't really all that far off, either.
I have "eyeballed" an alignment at home a couple of times before in similar situations where I had another planned maintenance or repair item coming up soon that would require another alignment. You can get it close enough to work and avoid paying for two alignments. It's not going to be ideal, but the last time I took in an eyeballed alignment to get it professionally set up, it wasn't really all that far off, either.
06-01-2015, 12:32 PM
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Thanks for all the idea. I took out the whole rack and do a initial measure on paper, then I insert the new ball joint I matched it as close as I did on the paper. Turn out I have way too much toe in on driver side... fail 
Van, I like those plate but it's kinna expensive consider they are just metal plate. That said I am not certain I can build something like this myself while keeping the plate straight.
Van, I like those plate but it's kinna expensive consider they are just metal plate. That said I am not certain I can build something like this myself while keeping the plate straight.
06-01-2015, 01:45 PM
#6
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Thanks for all the idea. I took out the whole rack and do a initial measure on paper, then I insert the new ball joint I matched it as close as I did on the paper. Turn out I have way too much toe in on driver side... fail
Van, I like those plate but it's kinna expensive consider they are just metal plate. That said I am not certain I can build something like this myself while keeping the plate straight.
Van, I like those plate but it's kinna expensive consider they are just metal plate. That said I am not certain I can build something like this myself while keeping the plate straight.
The toe plates are nice because they're easy to use without a helper. Maybe you could cut some out of some plywood?
06-01-2015, 02:46 PM
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I adjusted my alignment using a tape measure, very easy to do. The distance between tires must be the exact same, front and back. I also adjusted camber with a level and tape measure. Jack up the front so it is exactly level. Set your level against each tire, and measure out from the bottom of your tire to the level. make sure both sides have the same measurement. Quick, dirty and effective.