AustinTylerDean

iTrader: (1)

Hello Again,

I've attempted to search this forum and the googz for some info on tie rod end adjustment.

About 3-4 years ago, I replaced the tie rod end on the passenger side. I was probably drinking a bit iirc, but I'm pretty sure I moved that nut and didn't count the turns it took to take the tie rod end off.

I've seen some hill billies on Youtube use a plethora of home made ideas to adjust this on different cars and trucks, but was wondering if any of you had a recommendation other than bringing the car to someone.

This is the back-story as to why this is my hunch of my problem, feel free not to read below.

In the last 4 years, I've gone through a couple sets of tires. Kuhmo, Pep Boys brand, Continental, and I usually always had an alignment issue. Even after an alignment, the car would almost always steer itself off the crown of the road. Right after an alignment, it seemed like the way it drifted off the road was consistent based on the crown, so I chalked it up to a worn steering rack (which I'm still contemplating.)

But after 6 months or so, the car would develop a lean to the right, hence I'd drive with the wheel cocked a little to the left to drive straight. All of these changes are progressive, so you just get used to what you are driving. But these trends are definitely consistent based on the life cycle of the tires. New tires, alignment, progressive drift, re-alignment, a little better, progressive drift, new tires.

Any thoughts?

Fakie J Farkerton

iTrader: (51)

How are your ball joints?

And you're wanting to try to do an alignment in your garage, correct?

AustinTylerDean

iTrader: (1)

My ball joints are newish. They are in good condition. There's no play at the wheel when it's off the ground.

And I'm perfectly fine paying for an alignment... if the alignment would stick. It never seems to stick, though. So I mostly feel like I'm wasting money as it may not be the root of the problem.

Thanks for your reply!

theWalkinator

I use string method to do the adjustment.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Do you have the alignment print outs? They show the before and after numbers.
That makes it easy to see a pattern and pinpoint what's constantly going out of spec.
The front end on these cars is relatively simple. If everything is tight and all bushings are in good shape, it should hold an alignment indefinitely or until things wear out and/or need replacement.