Steering self-centreing

[Alistair C]

I recently had both track rods replaced to cure a knocking and wandering steering.
All seems good now - apart form the fact I've lost my steering's self centreing.

Now I know the rack has an adjustment to set the pre-load which can affect the self centring - but seeing as they only changed the tie rods - I don't see why the rack should need adjusting.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what to check? Could the tie rods just be on too tight making the steering too stiff?

Thanks,

[S2central.net]

Need to get the reference books but maybe the toe settings aren't correct. I think toe-in makes for better self centring. Do you know what settings you have. Keeper of the Kitten is a good man to ask about this stuff.

Paul

[Alistair C]

hmm - did have the alignment done a couple of times recently but of course that was before the tierods were changed.

I'll give the garage a call tomorrow to see if alignment was even set...... wouldn't want to presume.....

[Mikes2]

Sounds like the steering damper bracket has moved while the tie rods were off. This happpened to me when I changed mine. You need to undo the tie rod nuts and hold the bracket for the damper by hand before tightening them back up.

[Alistair C]

Sounds like the steering damper bracket has moved while the tie rods were off. This happpened to me when I changed mine. You need to undo the tie rod nuts and hold the bracket for the damper by hand before tightening them back up.

Sounds quite plausible mike - especially seeing as the captive bolt plate was renewed - so it would all have moved.....

What would I be hoping to achieve by holding it in place whilst tightening? You think it may be mounted in the wrong place horizontally / vertically / both? How might this affect the dampers function though?

I haven't checked how tight the nuts were done up yet - IIRC, Mike, didn't you say once that these nuts had to be done to the correct torque to prevent problems?

[Mikes2]

The bracket will move around if you don't hold it. It needs to be vertical on the rack - it's quite fiddly to hold and tighten the lock nuts. If you overtighten them this also causes problems. Search the archives for 'steering damper' in the title started by me.

[Alistair C]

yes, seen that thread already - which is what prompted me. And I also know what you mean about 'fiddly to reach' these nuts - especially trying to get in there with a torque wrench and a hand all at the same time!

Thanks for the advice though - I'll have a look.

[S2central.net]

There is actually a VAG tool called up clamp the steering rack in place whilst doing alignements. I can dig out info if required....


PAul

[s2avant]

I've done a bit of digging for you about adjusting the wheel alignment.

You can view it here:Wheel Alignment

As Paul says there is a special tool for holding the rack while adjustments are made.



It's fitted as follows:



Ben