8 replies to this topic

[Nick Warwick]

Going to fit some heavy duty tie-rods this weekend, just wanted to know if it would be a good idea to get my tracking checked after i have fitted them?

also shall i just adjust the new tie-rods to the same length as the old parts?

cheers

[Spitz]

ttt....installing soon myself, so curious also

[Cooperman]

The idea of the heavy-duty adjustable tie-bars it twofold:
1. To replace the standard ones which are easy to bend and,
2. To enable the caster angles to be set accurately for each side.

So, yes, ideally the suspension should be re-set by someone who can measure and set the caster angles as well as the track.
When initially fitting them set them to exactly the same length as the fixed original ones, then get the thing properly set-up.

[monster_mini]

of course the best thing to do is get it set up, but if i am correct(and i'd like someone to agree or disagree), changing the castor angle doesn't alter the tracking, so aslong as you got both sides equal and the same as the standards, you'd be ok?

[JonnyBMX]

it probably is a good idea to actually have them checked, saying that i didn't and it seems fine all i did was make sure it was all pointing fowards and jobs a gudun

[ibrooks]

changing the castor angle doesn't alter the tracking

Yes it does. Altering the tie rod or bottom arm on a Mini alters tracking (toe) caster and camber all at once. The only one with any degree of isolation is the track control arm - altering it won't generally alter the caster or camber. It's a bit of a nightmare when trying to set the things up properly as every change means re-measuring every angle but eventualy you get a feel for how much each adjustment will alter the various angles.

Initially set the adjustable stuff to the same measurement as the original stuff (assuming they aren't bent) and then get the tracking sorted. If you then want to start messing with adjustments take it to someone who knows what they are doing (Kwik-Fit don't no matter what they tell you they are just about competent to set the tracking).

Another note on alignment - steer clear of anywhere that sets the tracking of the front by hanging a gauge on the rear wheels. The track of a Mini is usually different front to rear so they aren't setting the tracking to what they think they are setting it to and it's fairly unusual to come across a Mini who's rear subframe is perfectly in line (genuine or pattern part) so they aren't setting the tracking in-line with the body.

Iain

[Nick Warwick]

Nice one guys cheers

[monster_mini]

thanks for correcting me:)

so, does that mean that if you increase the castor(shortening the length of the tie bar) does that make the wheel toe out more or toe in?( i think in my head it seems to pull it in a bit, so there for toeing it in?)

thanks

nick

[icklemini]

Another note on alignment - steer clear of anywhere that sets the tracking of the front by hanging a gauge on the rear wheels. The track of a Mini is usually different front to rear so they aren't setting the tracking to what they think they are setting it to and it's fairly unusual to come across a Mini who's rear subframe is perfectly in line (genuine or pattern part) so they aren't setting the tracking in-line with the body.

Wrong! - Sorry have to disagree with your statement there, and those that come to me for suspension work are shown why!

The rear flags are used when setting the front toe so that adjustments are made in relation to the rear thrust line - especially needed on a mini as the back subframe is often slightly out (well so is every car to be honest).

You use the guages on the front to set the toe - not the flags that hang on the back wheels!

Think theres a bit of a misunderstanding on how these type of guages work....

Edited by icklemini, 29 April 2011 - 06:55 AM.