Will my wheel alignment need checking?

Iamzod

Iamzod

Iamzod

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I have a MK3 Mondeo & the week before last I replaced the ARB Bushes, suspensions arms, ARB linkages & front tyres.

This job requires lowering the subframe to get the lower arms in place without risking wrecking the rear hydraulic bushes.

Upon driving the car the steering wheel was about 10 degrees off to the left so I took it to have the tracking done, drove away with it still off to the left so I took it back & he re-did it but this time he took me around the car as he did it & showed me how they do it and explained it should be driving dead straight.

This afternoon I therefore lowered the sub frame & made a set of alignment pins using bits of steel tube & pipe as you can't buy them anymore. We made some adjustments to it & then bolted it all back together & now the car is driving perfect with the wheel dead centre.

Do I need the alignment looking at again as I thought beforehand that moving the subframe would make it worse as I've disturbed everything and the wheels were set whilst it was out of line, yet it appears to drive perfect?

Bearing in mind the steering rack is bolted to the subframe if that matters so we have effectively moved the rack too.

(we moved it over towards the drivers side by about half a mm and pushed the drivers side back about 1mm)
 
Does the car drive straight? ie if you let go of the wheel.
If so perhaps you just need to adjust the steering wheel so it sits at 12oclock.


EDIT sorry I didn't read your post fully. Sorry I don't know the answer as to if that change would change the tracking.
 
Iamzod said:
I have a MK3 Mondeo & the week before last I replaced the ARB Bushes, suspensions arms, ARB linkages & front tyres.

This job requires lowering the subframe to get the lower arms in place without risking wrecking the rear hydraulic bushes.
Click to expand...

Yeah, they are a bit of a PITA for what should be a simple routine job.
 
Absolutely, we have replaced lower arms on their own with genuine units and that has moved the tracking by half a degree or so, dropping the subframe can do the same. On top of that I would recommend a yearly check anyway, as the car ages and settles all the measurements will start drifting out.

Unless you have a BMW, the front track rods will be seized to the point of requiring to be cut off and it won't make a difference as they mangle tyres regardless.
 
BMW track rods seize like a good 'un too. Often it's cheaper to replace them than pay someone to spend hours hacking at the old ones with heat and breaker bars
 
Gaygle said:
BMW track rods seize like a good 'un too. Often it's cheaper to replace them than pay someone to spend hours hacking at the old ones with heat and breaker bars
Click to expand...

Definitely, just replace as complete assembly.

Just make sure you order the conical locking do-dad in advance, saves all the hassle of hacking it off the old rod.
 
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