[s-cars] Tie rod ends

[Theodore Chen]

jack,

it's very hard to get a good alignment that way.  a small change in
length will have a significant effect on toe.

rather, i'd suggest the string method to set toe.  it's not too difficult.
set up a string on each side of the car (i anchor them with jackstands)
and make them parallel to each other and to the car's chassis.  now you
have a reference point for measuring toe.  measure from the leading and
trailing edges of the rims on both sides of the car to determine total toe.

for this, you need a level surface, and you also have to make sure the
wheels move freely.  i use a sandwich of cheap smooth floor tiles (80 cents
at home depot for the commercial vinyl tile) with grease in the middle.
the wheels sit on the tile sandwiches.

it's a common circle track method for setting toe.

-teddy

--- Jack Gagnon <bullitt at gwi.net> wrote:

> I just replace one of my tie rod ends about 2 weeks ago in order to pass
> insection (it was bad).
> 
> I used a fork type tie rod end tool and replaced it.  I did not want to pay
> for a re-alignment before it was done so I carefully measured the distance
> from the lock bolt to the centerline of the tie rod and set it to the same
> when I replaced it.  I did not measure too well and found that the steering
> wheel was no longer centered when driving straight.  The adjusting bolt was
> frozen to the link that connects to the steering rack and the toe could not
> be adjusted without removing the tie rod end again.  I went to a local tool
> supplier and bought a 2 jaw puller and was able to remove the tie rod end
> without damaging the boot.  Made two revolutions in the right direction and
> now my steering is back where it is supposed to be.  I do not guarantee that
> your alignment will be correct using this procedure, but I suggest that the
> 2 jaw puller is a better solution than a fork tool.
> 
> By the way I paid $28 delivered for one tie rod end and $49 for the puller.
> 
> Jack
> 
> K-port, ME
> 218K
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
> [mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of JR
> Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 9:36 AM
> To: s-car-list at audifans.com
> Subject: [s-cars] Tie rod ends
> 
> 
> I'm getting quoted over $300 to replace both tie rod ends in the front
> of my URS4.  They want to charge $99 for each tie rod end just for the
> part and then $60 for each install.  I checked S-CARS Parts Direct and
> they only want $28 each for the part.  My question is this: How hard is
> it to replace these if I want to do it myself?  For reference I've done
> both front lower control arms and did my own timing belt/serp belt/water
> pump, so I'm not afraid of a wrench.  How long should it take me and do
> I need any special tools?  Anyone have a write-up that I can use as a guide?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> JR
> _______________________________________________
> S-CAR-List mailing list
> S-CAR-List at audifans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/s-car-list
> 
> 
> 
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.2/373 - Release Date: 6/22/2006
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> S-CAR-List mailing list
> S-CAR-List at audifans.com
> http://www.audifans.com/mailman/listinfo/s-car-list
> 


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around 
http://mail.yahoo.com