Confirmation/advice please

Irishrover · Mar 7, 2010

Took the motor for it's MOT last week, passed but advisory given for slight wear in ball joints on both ends of drag link. I have ordered new link.
Front tyre wear with existing link is even and car steers in a straight line with steering wheel released. Question is....... If I remove the old link and measure the distance between the ball joint centres and set the new one up to the same dimensions, do I need to get the wheel alignment checked/reset. The tester showed me the amount of wear and it was only just visible.

kernowdragon · Mar 7, 2010

It'll be good enough to use to get to a garage but suspension geometery is a fickle thing and I'd get it tracked anyway... at the end of the day it's way cheaper than a pair of new boots.

gemsdad · Mar 7, 2010

Irishrover said:
Took the motor for it's MOT last week, passed but advisory given for slight wear in ball joints on both ends of drag link. I have ordered new link.
Front tyre wear with existing link is even and car steers in a straight line with steering wheel released. Question is....... If I remove the old link and measure the distance between the ball joint centres and set the new one up to the same dimensions, do I need to get the wheel alignment checked/reset. The tester showed me the amount of wear and it was only just visible.

hi irish,when you come over on wed i will take you to my local garage as they do a 4 wheel laser alignment,if you have it done there is a nice HOLTS PUB only a 5 min walk away from it.

wammers · Mar 7, 2010

Only thing you can alter changing drag link is steering box centralisation. Set steering straight ahead, remove drag link, fit to wheel end then adjust until steering wheel is in central position. Job done. I take it when you say drag link you mean link from steering box to wheel. That is drag link, some people get confused with track rod, which is the one behind the axle.

Irishrover · Mar 7, 2010

Cheers guys...definately the drag link, one at the front from the steering box to the n/s wheel. The track rod ends are fine.:behindsofa:

wammers · Mar 7, 2010

Irishrover said:
Cheers guys...definately the drag link, one at the front from the steering box to the n/s wheel. The track rod ends are fine.:behindsofa:

In that case you cannot alter steering setup in any way other than box cetralisation, which is the cause if not set correctly, of most of the diving to one side that happens with the P38. Good luck.

Irishrover · Mar 7, 2010

Cheers Wammers........My heads clearing after last night

:beer2:. Of course you are right. The drag link only "Turns" the wheels and dictates the centralisation and alignment relative to the steering box/wheel. The tracking is controlled by the track rod.

Confirmation/advice please

Irishrover

Well-Known Member

kernowdragon

Well-Known Member

gemsdad

NOT BOTHERED.

wammers

No longer with us, RIP

Irishrover

Well-Known Member

wammers

No longer with us, RIP

Irishrover

Well-Known Member

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