Alignment Mystery (misery) solved. NEW QUESTION 88 80q

[Duncan Thomson]

Tom,

Just a point, I believe some of these tie-rods have a kink in them from 
the factory. I made the mistake of straightening one on my car, and then 
it was impossible to align, much as you are describing.

I had two other cars to check against, and a parts car with a usable 
spare, so I was fine. But just check before straightening.

Just my 2c

Duncan

-----
TooManyAudis at aol.com wrote:
>  
> I replaced the right side tie rod last night -- then I determined the  center 
> of rack travel by removing, then replacing, the steering wheel so that it  
> aligned with an equal number of turns from side to side.
>  
> I then did my best to eyeball the wheels to straightness (for the drive to  
> the alignment shop).  The right wheel had plenty of adjustment on either  side, 
> so no worries there.  However, The left wheel was still pointing  slightly to 
> the outside when I adjusted the tie rod bolt all the way  in.  
>  
> Upon further inspection, the left side tie rod appears to be very slightly  
> bent -- probably not that unusual for a car with well over 250k -- about half 
> of  which was not on my watch, so anything could have happened.  And, the  
> slight bend in the left tie rod may not even be enough to cause any real  problems 
> in and of itself.
>  
> I do have an alignment shop that I will take the car to as soon as I  
> determine if I am going to A) replace the left tie rod or 2) just get the car  
> aligned and be done with it.
>  
>  
> -- Tom
>  
> PS thanks for looking the info up on the FA.  Upon further inspection,  the 
> Worldpac sites give the same part number for both the 87 4kq and the 88 90q,  
> so that part of the question is moot.  
>   


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