I found that my steering rack is really leaking fluid from the tie rod boots....BAD.It started last week.The rack IS 20 years old,so,I'm not too peeved about it.Anyway.I just spent money a few weeks ago on an alignment,and after buying new front tires and wheels,can't afford another right now.What's the best way to replace it and get super close to where the tie rods should be?The rack is the "Ford design" with the Sport steering.I honestly didn't know if I have the "Ford design" or the TRW design,so,I bought the Ford design.
when u take the tie rod ends off, count how many turns and writeit down
put them on the new rack the same number of turns
thats what i did on mine and its pretty close
I have done that before.I'll do it again.So,what's the difference between the Ford and TRW racks?
that
I cant help you with
i got my rack for free, its not original, and its modded so I have no clue.
i dont think there is much of a difference, maybe just the torsion rod inside no clue
Don't quote me on this.I think trw was 2 piece design.
O.K.This rack has one piece bushings,and I'm not sure if the one on the car does or not.They should interchange shouldn't they?
that won't be a problem.
As long as they'll swap,I don't care.My new one has to be way better than the factory 20 year old piece.LOL.
since they aligned it only a few weeks ago, and didn't notice the leaking, they might do a complimentary toe check for you... it couldn't hurt to ask
I'll check.You're right,it doesn't hurt to ask.
Vinn, you may want to actually take some mearsurements. Just counting turns never works for me cause each turn comes out different. x number of turns may be WAY different today than tomorrow. Also, you can always just fall back on tire to tire measuring:
Put the front end up, spin each wheel and lightly hit it with a tire marker (tire spinning fast + steady marker hand equals a consistant/straight/equal mark all the way around). Put the car back on the ground (I think, may want to google this) then use this line to measure tire to tire on the furthest back point you can. Then the furthest front point. Close to equal will atleast give you normal tire wear... Also, make sure your steering wheel is centered and either eyeball or measure from a chassis center point to ensure your tires are straight
I'll do it.Lot's of measuring.I really,as I stated before,can't afford ANOTHER alignment right now,and still get other things done for the Sport.I'll take a few pics and keep everyone informed.I'll be at it tomorrow afternoon.
I did the counting threads thing and my alignment was so far off that when I tried to drive the car the front tires squealed constantly.
THAT has happened to me before,and I'm trying to avoid that,especially with my new tires.I'll measure from tie rod to tie rod before I remove the tires or lift the car.Plus a few more measurements.By the way,where have you been?
How much do they charge to do an alignment by you? I know a guy who will do an alignment on one of those fancy Hunter machienes that places like NTB and Firestone have for $65.
The cost here in town is around $95.00.After the wheels,center caps,tires,shifter boot,Mobil 1 for the 5 speed,distributor module,ignition switch,fuel pump,filter,tank seals,and the steering rack,my funds are very low for the Sport.The tie rod ends I'll swap over,as they are only a few weeks old.I'll get out there this weekend and tend to it.If I take my time and take a few strategic measurements,I think it'll work.If it doesn't,then I'll have to take it in for a check.They may charge less just to check the tie rods and where they should be instead of everything else.That work has been done.
i did the thread count
then did a small adjustment by eye
goes down the road straight, and turns very well
but its not perfect
$95! :wtf:
x3.... (I know, in American Dollars), amount paid: $45.00 (CDN) for the last front end alignment done on Salt. :wtf: :crazy: :crazy: !