I have a 94 townace 4wd, and am having trouble getting the tracking right. The garage can't find the settings for the toe-in as it is an import, and after laser setting to Hiace spec, it is still pulling to the left constantly. Tyre pressure is 42 psi, and the ball joints have recently been replaced. Is there another reason for this, or is it simply a matter of getting the right settings for the tracking?
Any ideas gratefully recieved.
Phil.
- (#1754) Phil Robson, 12 Jun 05 12:29
A slight pull isn't unknown. But Hiace figures won't help you, it's a totally different vehicle. The proper figures (for the >92 models, but the facelift ones are the same AFAIK) are in AceAnswers.
Are both tie rods the same length? does the vehicle stand level?
- (#1754) David Miller, 12 Jun 05 13:21
This sounds mad but sometimes swapping the front wheels over can help. Tyres aren't geometrically perfect. It worked on mine after having the tracking set correctly and re-checked and still pulling to the left.
My son was driven to distraction by a constant whirring sound from his Vectra for ages. Then he had new tyres fitted and hey presto the noise disappeared.
- (#1754) Brian Wearing, 14 Jun 05 13:13
I checked the items you recommended David, and realised that there is a lot more to wheel alignment than tracking! I found a great garage here in Liverpool who were really helpful and who have some high spec kit for checking camber/castor etc, and who confirmed the correct figures even though they had to chase around for them. Interestingly Brian, they said that after a period of running with badly aligned wheels, it is prudent to swap tyres or they 'fall' into the same sort of motion due to wear. Needless to say my van was well out of spec, hence the problem.
For anyone in the North West, the garage is called 'Wheel Alignment& Balljoint Centre Ltd' and they offer a cracking service.
Thanks for the help, sometimes you just don't know who to ask...
- (#1754) Phil Robson, 17 Jun 05 11:11
Great stuff Phil, isn't it nice to get the job done properly. One day I'll find a tyre centre in Bury St. Edmunds whose heard of castor.
The information about tyre wear makes you run from 'part worn' tyres even more.
- (#1754) BrianWearing, 17 Jun 05 15:33