Track rod has no adjustment
Posted
#1640931
(In Topic #228767)
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
i have a 1987 Golf GTI cabriolet
i need to align the wheels as when the o/s wheel is pointing straight ahead, the n/s wheel is pointing way too much to the right.
on the o/s track rod it has the nut against the track rod end so it can be adjusted.
the n/s has no nut and no thread on the track rod??
do I need to replace the whole track rod with an adjustable one?
Thanks in advance
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/Forumpic.jpg)
Local Hero
![Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
When done the steering wheel will need to be removed and religned, which you dont usually have to do when the car has both sides adjustable.
1983 Mars Red 1.8 Golf GTI
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
Posted
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
One I realised I couldn’t adjust the n/s I turned the steering wheel until the n/s wheel was pointing straight ahead making the o/s wheel out
I then adjusted the track rod on the o/s so both wheels are now parallel to each other
drives fine
the problem being is now when I turn right the rack hits the stops, I can turn left 2 and a bit turns of the steering wheel, when turning right I can only get 1.5 turns
i know it needs to be aligned on a machine but thought I could get it somewhere close to right 1st
what do I need to do to fix it?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
So there isn't an issue with adjusting the tracking.
On my 81 Diesel it had the ns rod as non-adjustible…. I converted it in 84 to have two part tracking rods of the Cabriolet.
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/Forumpic.jpg)
Local Hero
![Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
1983 Mars Red 1.8 Golf GTI
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
Posted
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
i need to adjust the N/S wheel but cant do this as its non adjustable.
I think i need to recentre the rack - does that make sense?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/Forumpic.jpg)
Local Hero
![Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Early-1800 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
I've had MK1s for 30+ years as daily drivers and hobby cars. I've never had problems having the tracking adjusted but have come across garages/tyre depots that either moaned it was a ballache or got confused but did sort it.
1983 Mars Red 1.8 Golf GTI
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
1987 Alpine White 1.8 Clipper Cabriolet
The trouble with doing nothing is that you never know when you are finished.
Posted
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
I have only owned the car for 1 year so an unsure if its had any accident or steering work done.
I have 1 issue:
steering turns more left than right - I know i have created this as i adjusted the O/S TRE.
If i put the O/S back to where it was and then turn the steering so the O/S wheel is pointing straight on the N/S wheel will point outwards (to the left) as there is no adjustment on the N/S TRE.
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
then take the car and have the tracking aligned at a shop, they have the machine to set it right…..
I don't know who invented the single piece unit, but they sure can confuse the hades out of a shop or you when you try to track it Why????? because you have to set that side straight, then lock the steering wheel, and pray that you can move the other in or out of toe to get the tracking correct…. Just be sure that you use anti-seize on the mating parts to make them easier to turn or remove later on.
I will set things rough, but I always take it to a track shop (we call it and alignment shop over here, and tracking rods are inner or outer tie-rods)
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/E51CC3C6-51F7-4094-8C4F-1CE789C8DE56.jpeg)
Old Timer
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/XW2jYK6.png)
Tracking or 'toe' only needs to be adjustable on one side, because it's only a two wheel alignment thing … ie the relationship between both front wheels, unrelated to the rear wheels….
How are you measuring your toe?
As it sounds like you might be doing something wrong, or, one side is damaged…
Are you are sure you are setting the non-adjustable side to straight ahead before adjusting the adjustable side? Because if you start off with non adjust side toeing in or out a long way, this would result in your rack being off of centre at straight ahead at the wheels….
Remember to disregard what the steering wheel is doing, this can be corrected at the end once the toe is set.
Posted
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
yes, I started with the non adjustable side wheel straight
i am ignoring the steering wheel as I’m aware I can remove and refit once done
i adjusted the off side and took it for a spin, it drives ok and am aware it needs aligning on a machine
the only problem I have is that the rack stops when turning sharp right
i have more steering wheel turns to the left than to the right
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
Pop the outers off the spindles.
Spin it from side to side count the turns, then spin the other way and divide by half. Now that you have the rack centered, Reconnect the tie rods. Now start adjusting.
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/E51CC3C6-51F7-4094-8C4F-1CE789C8DE56.jpeg)
Old Timer
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/XW2jYK6.png)
Track rod has no adjustment
Thinking about it, it won’t be possible to ‘centre’ the rack , as such, with one side non adjustable.
I would Try finding the centre of the rack as is, and then once you are sure the rack is at its centre point , check where the non adjustable side wheel is pointing and go from there.
Out of interest , what is the toe on a mk1? I assume you are are setting it at 0, so the measurement front inside edge of wheel to wheel is the same as the measurement across rear edge of rim wheel to wheel…?
Also, bear in mind, even with massive toe in or out , like 2mm plus, the car will drive fine… toe angle doesn’t usually cause the car to pull to one side…
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/E51CC3C6-51F7-4094-8C4F-1CE789C8DE56.jpeg)
Old Timer
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/XW2jYK6.png)
Track rod has no adjustment
I assume you’re doing it like that?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/E51CC3C6-51F7-4094-8C4F-1CE789C8DE56.jpeg)
Old Timer
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/XW2jYK6.png)
Track rod has no adjustment
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/E51CC3C6-51F7-4094-8C4F-1CE789C8DE56.jpeg)
Old Timer
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Paid Member’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/7vW13sh.png)
![jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’ jazzydog in the usergroup ‘Old timer’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/XW2jYK6.png)
Track rod has no adjustment
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/blue.png)
Local Hero
![Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’ Briano1234 in the usergroup ‘Local hero’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/2T6Iw1M8.png)
Once that is set then getting the other to go in or out is easier.
On the two piece rods the adjustment is way easier as both sides are adjustable either the inner tracking rod can move or the outer can move….
What I have done in the past is to replace the solid arm with a two piece, and fully seat the as far as it would go.
I then lubed the outer end of the inner with Never-seize and spun the outer on after the lock nut of course.
Way easier.
What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
They all start with GOOD Grounds.
Where are my DIY Links?
Posted
![Avatar](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/uploads/ocf_avatars/4CFC65CD-1DEE-4FA6-B488-F29806B2D13A.jpeg)
Settling In
![its broke again in the usergroup ‘Regular’ its broke again in the usergroup ‘Regular’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/m4O9bNA.png)
Before then I just made the tracking as good as it can be and recentred the steering wheel by unbolting it and putting it on straight
Posted
Settled In
![Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’ Mk1cabsportline in the usergroup ‘Local’](https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/themes/default/images_custom/ylV8bhM.png)
just need to get the tracking adjusted properly now
thank you everyone for your help
0 guests and 0 members have just viewed this: None.