tracking out / EPIC DISCUSSION

[schakal]

you get your tracking done all is nice and straight , steering wheel
alligned straight ahead etc .
some time later the tracking is out again

as far as i am aware the parallelness of a front wheel in relation to the other is setup by winding in/out the track rod ends and the lock nut
is tightened to keep it that way .

now even if the lock nut fails/loosens the track rod end can not
turn on it self as the end is connected to the hub , RIGHT ?

all i can think of is the track rod which has a ball jointed end at the
steering rack ,which is theorically able to turn over 360 degrees on it self
(ball joint) which than may unwind/push away the track rod end .

or how else does it happen ?? DISCUSS :D

[stan]

Bushes moving/wearing.
Hitting kerbs and bending track rods

[busterhymes]

worn inner joint on track rod

[midge]

after doing brands my tracking is out a bit, all my steering components are brand new including the track rods (not just ends) every bush is new e.t.c anyone know why it has gone out a bit?

[Coops]

all i can think of is the track rod which has a ball jointed end at the
steering rack ,which is theorically able to turn over 360 degrees on it self
(ball joint) which than may unwind/push away the track rod end

thats how tracking is adjusted so yes if the pinch bolt comes undone its possible

[kenny]

all i can think of is the track rod which has a ball jointed end at the
steering rack ,which is theorically able to turn over 360 degrees on it self
(ball joint) which than may unwind/push away the track rod end

thats how tracking is adjusted so yes if the pinch bolt comes undone its possible

Absolutely correct. hence the need for a locking nut, which if it is not doing its job, not tightened enough, or worn thread which fails to hold, will allow the rod to rotate.

[schakal]

after doing brands my tracking is out a bit, all my steering components are brand new including the track rods (not just ends) every bush is new e.t.c anyone know why it has gone out a bit?

same happened here actually , done about 10 laps in llandow with
tracking done the day before ,at the end of the day my steering wheel
moved from 12 o clock to 2 o clock on straight ahead

Bushes moving/wearing.
Hitting kerbs and bending track rods

i am confused
which bushes move and how do they wear that fast mate ?
also how can you bend something with no grip(ball joint ) on one end ?

[Coops]

spose the rack itself could slip on its bushed mountings to the subframe if they are worn?

[schakal]

spose the rack itself could slip on its bushed mountings to the subframe if they are worn?

nahh , on the r9 setup the rack is secured metal to metal no rubber
bushings anywhere .
i dont really mind the wear and tear of tires but the car is pulling
slightly to the left on a straight when i let go off the wheel and i am
pretty sure if i get tracking done again ,they will unwind the passenger side
a wee bit to get it straight .
funny thing is on my last tracking ,the guy in the shop had to
use a blow torch to undo the lock nut on the same side and got it
straight and supposedly tightened the lock nut

30 quid a shot at tracking ,it hurts my bum cheeks

[stan]

wishbone bushes etc

you never said how quickly yours went out of alignment, im just mentiuoning things which can effect the tracking once set.