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[F1 9LFG]

Hi guys,

Can someone have a read and advise any causes please

2.6 cdx, 16'' alloys, lowered 30mm

Failed MOT on track rods, not uncommon, replaced and passed.

Following the track-rod replacement I had the tracking checked.
The lasers indicated that the tracking was out by .1% or something silly, so no need to have it adjusted. (this i thought was strange, but accepted)

A few days later, something obviously happened! In order to keep the car in a straight line the steering wheel needs to be 20degrees to the right.

Went back to the tracking place, had it on the ramp and checked with lasers, this time (30miles after the last check) the front track is majorly out. (no curbs or pot-holes hit in the meantime)

So i had the tracking done, if I'm honest I didnt feel much improvement, but again accepted.

Today, back to square one. steering wheel isn't straight when driving in a straight line, and there seems to be play in the steering wheel, almost as if the car is drifting from side to side, also under breaking it's pulling, sometimes to the left, sometimes the right.

Any ideas? Bad tracking company or problems with the car?

bare in mind it's just passed an MOT so wouldn't expect much else wrong with steering/suspension

Thanks 

[Jimbob]

dont waste your money on tracking....plus that outfit are obviously not good at what they do.

Get yourself to Wheels-inmotion in Chesham, Bucks, they will do full geometry and sort it properly.

[Paddy Flannery]

As above.

Head West and go up the A41 to Chesham.

Drive back home with everything lined up as it should be, and your car will feel like new.

Mention OOF to get a discount.

[feeutfo]

Difficult to say without seeing it, but by your description I'd suggest your wishbone bushes may well be past it. Although could also be steering idler play. Would hope these would also be spotted at Mot. Often missed sadly.

It needs a thorough check, replace any faulty parts, THEN set up.

As said tracking is pointless at this stage as it relies on camber setting being correct, which in turn relies on wishbone bushes being sound. Something further is amiss by the sound of it.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Something sounds loose....when they replaced the track rod ends did they do just that or the whole arm?

I wonder if the threads got kanckered then they did the track rod end and it consequently wont hold its adjustment or the pinch bolts are loose.

[F1 9LFG]

Thanks all, i will get down to WIM once I sort out final wheel size and tyres.

Tracking company seem stumped as one minute its true, 30miles later it's out.

I changed the track rods myself and have re-checked, pinch bolts tight as i dare, as are all other nuts/bolts.

Only other thing i have noticed is when the engines not running there is a fair amount of play in the steering wheel, (i mean i could almost blow the steering wheel round it's 'that' free) this seems to not be present whilst the engines running, although in order to actually make the wheels change directing standing still i have to turn the steering wheel a good 20-30degrees, is this right?

Thanks chaps

[TheBoy]

As others have said, check for play first. Wishbones, track rods, idlers, steering box....