Just pricing up the cost of replacing my steering components, and noticed that there is a fixed and an adjustable track rod available. Now these are not specified as either left or right, I presume you get one fixed and one adjustable, but if that is the case, then when you get the tracking done, then the steering wheel might not be straight, and you won't have the same amount of turn, lock to lock. Is this right?
Thats a good question, Major needs new track rods & we plan to change the arms rather than the track rod ends. When we replace the adjustable one, we will measure the old ones distance between thread to thread (if that makes sense) as a starting point. The fixed one, if they are consistent, should be same from old to new..he says ;D
No. The one opposite the steering wheel is usually the adjustable one. The non adjustable one does have an amount of adjustment in it though. You aim to set the tracking with the wheel straight. You do get an element at times of being slightly out but as long as the drag link arm is in the middle, there is about 20mm on either side of the anti roll bar and inner wheel on full lock on both sides then it will be fine.
It doesn't matter which side you fit the fixed one which has NO adjustment. Assuming the camber is set correctly (if it needs doing it must be done first). When all fitted set the tracking with the adjustable track-rod. Point the road wheels dead ahead, then disconnect the drag link from the steering box drop arm. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock counting the turns (2 and 3/4?), then turn it back exactly half way. The reason for this is that the steering box is made to be tighter in the middle for straight driving and looser for cornering. Then adjust the drag-link so it's the correct length for the drop arm without the steering wheel moving from the centre position. Then with everything still in dead aheas position, remove the steering wheel and put it back on straight. Go for a test drive on a straight road and note the position of the steering wheel. Back to base and park with steering wheel in this position. Reason for this is when you initially set the wheels dead ahead you were guessing. Detach the drag link from the steering box, turn the steering wheel to straight ahead and fine tune the drag link to fit again. Now it should be spot on. The tight part in the centre of the box is really quite small so it's important for straight line driving in the wind etc to get this right.
Zed speaks the truth. Given the small amount of toe-in and the lever action of the steering arms, adjusting the tracking isn't likely to put the steering wheel off centre. Get the arms to the right length (the unadjustable one isn't adjustable). It's more likely that cack-handed adjustment over the years has lead to off-centredness. If you're starting from scratch, start with the steering box (the centre of the universe) and work outwards. With the box fully centred, it's the drag link that sets the wheel direction.
I beg to differ Snooty that the non-adjustable one (well new ones anyway) do have an amount of adjustment available at one end. And they need to because otherwise you can't centralise the drag link T in the middle. I mentioned the side of the non-adjustable one because it was mentioned earlier on TLB and something I've noticed between LHD and RHD buses.
I have replaced everything on my steering and the non-adjustable one was just that - 2 track rod ends securely fixed to a bar.
Well I've been shopping around on the internet, and I have spongy steering. So, I'm going to be ordering all of the following: Drag link Track rod (adjustable) Track rod (non adjustable) steering column bottom coupling (OEM VW - aftermarket ones are rubbish) Steering damper And I'll also get the steering box adjusted by someone who knows what they're doing (i.e. not me). Hopefully that should deal with things - I'll also inspect play in the idler pin once I've dismantled everything just in case there's a problem there. Thanks to everyone who has offered advice here - much appreciated.
The Machine7 Website Bundle, Steering Track / Tie Rod, Overhaul kit, part number 999.002.61 includes two adjustable tie rods.
Got my parts to do this from afew different places cool air and jk I think, once you get under the bus and start it will all become clear I've had to do mine just need to do the adjustments to the drag link as zed says. Have a go mate I think you will be fine , you could get it all on then have a garage do the fine adjustments
Do the steering box yourself - it's no great hassle. In fact, take it off the chassis, clean it up and fill it with nice fresh oil Ask here for further details...
Mine has two adjustable rods fitted, but that's because the flipped spindles are machined to takes the track rod end up from underneath for more chassis clearance so the fixed one won't fit. The only difference setting the tracking is start with both the same length and adjust them both the same amount. There is no reason not to fit two adjustable rods, it's just easier to deal with one, and probably slightly cheaper to manufacture in the first place.
