First thing is first -
Car has 58k miles, all stock. Suspension may or may have not been messed with... I say that because the stabilizer bar bushings and links are new (looking - for all I know, they're decades old, but look new).
It Sat most of its life, obviously, but was always on its tires (eg. not off-weight stored) in a climate controlled garage.
Steering hasn't been HORRIBLE but I know its worn (I understand by both understanding its age, but also driving (Shes a little "floaty" in the front)) and the alignment is off a bit... (Maybe 10 degrees, if that, on the wheel).
Now, I got under it, and tugged, pulled, yanked the tires, center link, tie rods... not bad at all, by hand... This was up on a rack, weight off.
I had no movement trying from 12 to 6 o'clock.. 3 to 9 o'clock was minuscule when I watched the components during the 3-9 movement (someone was moving the wheel for me, up on a rack - free movement).
When I say minuscule, I mean barely noticeable. I had to have him slow down.
I took it for an alignment, and the mech got under there with something a little bigger and started tugging on the components themselves (not the tires) and it all moved. Tie rods, center link... everything. He showed me, and I saw it. It took effort, but the movement was there with more pressure.
To me, this made sense... the parts aren't "Bad", they're "Worn" or as he put it "Weak". All things considered, this didnt surprise me.
Replacing these things isn't a difficult gig, as I see it.. Lift, Tools, Heat (its cold here) all available.
Replacing the pitman, idler, center/drag, inner/outer tie rods (new adjusters, obviously) isn't a problem.
My concern is the toe alignment until I get the funds to have a Proper Alignment done... (all the parts are costing me what I got, basically).
SO
Questions:
Whats the best method to keep the alignment as close as possible when replacing everything having to do with steering??
Obviously, you pay attention when you take them off.. measure/mark the old... new parts measured/matched as close as possible.. etc.
That brings up the other question... Is there a method to the madness? Replace 1 thing at a time? Haul it all off?
Old school VW owners align them on their own. Mostly String measuring, but some attach levels to the rims...
I will have to go around 200mi until I get the $100 for a proper alignment after this (95% City/Low Speed).
Is that just not enough mileage to worry about?
Get it close and run it for two weeks?
Caster and Camber I can't/'won't do anything about, I get it.. Toe is my primary concern.
What Say You?
(To include "While you're doing that, do ~this~ stuff")
As always, you guys are great, and thanks for your opinion and advice.
-Gonz
Car has 58k miles, all stock. Suspension may or may have not been messed with... I say that because the stabilizer bar bushings and links are new (looking - for all I know, they're decades old, but look new).
It Sat most of its life, obviously, but was always on its tires (eg. not off-weight stored) in a climate controlled garage.
Steering hasn't been HORRIBLE but I know its worn (I understand by both understanding its age, but also driving (Shes a little "floaty" in the front)) and the alignment is off a bit... (Maybe 10 degrees, if that, on the wheel).
Now, I got under it, and tugged, pulled, yanked the tires, center link, tie rods... not bad at all, by hand... This was up on a rack, weight off.
I had no movement trying from 12 to 6 o'clock.. 3 to 9 o'clock was minuscule when I watched the components during the 3-9 movement (someone was moving the wheel for me, up on a rack - free movement).
When I say minuscule, I mean barely noticeable. I had to have him slow down.
I took it for an alignment, and the mech got under there with something a little bigger and started tugging on the components themselves (not the tires) and it all moved. Tie rods, center link... everything. He showed me, and I saw it. It took effort, but the movement was there with more pressure.
To me, this made sense... the parts aren't "Bad", they're "Worn" or as he put it "Weak". All things considered, this didnt surprise me.
Replacing these things isn't a difficult gig, as I see it.. Lift, Tools, Heat (its cold here) all available.
Replacing the pitman, idler, center/drag, inner/outer tie rods (new adjusters, obviously) isn't a problem.
My concern is the toe alignment until I get the funds to have a Proper Alignment done... (all the parts are costing me what I got, basically).
SO
Questions:
Whats the best method to keep the alignment as close as possible when replacing everything having to do with steering??
Obviously, you pay attention when you take them off.. measure/mark the old... new parts measured/matched as close as possible.. etc.
That brings up the other question... Is there a method to the madness? Replace 1 thing at a time? Haul it all off?
Old school VW owners align them on their own. Mostly String measuring, but some attach levels to the rims...
I will have to go around 200mi until I get the $100 for a proper alignment after this (95% City/Low Speed).
Is that just not enough mileage to worry about?
Get it close and run it for two weeks?
Caster and Camber I can't/'won't do anything about, I get it.. Toe is my primary concern.
What Say You?
(To include "While you're doing that, do ~this~ stuff")
As always, you guys are great, and thanks for your opinion and advice.
-Gonz