Tracking keeps coming out!

[unfortunately_french]

Hi there. I've got a 182 and had the tracking done TODAY and when I left the garage it was fine, steering wheel straight and car going straight. However after driving the car for about an hour by the time I was coming down my road to go home, I noticed that when the steering wheel was straight the car was pulling to the left again! This is getting really annoying and having had my tracking done 3 different times in the space of a month it's becoming very tedious aswell. I haven't *touches wood* hit any kerbs since owning the car and even though the roads are in a terrible state at the moment I didn't hit any potholes on the way home from the garage. The track rod ends that are closest to the wheel look rusty as f**k so maybe if I change them then the car will maintain it's tracking for longer? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Dave..]

Checked you're tyre pressures?

 

[unfortunately_french]

Checked you're tyre pressures?

No i haven't actually thats a good point, maybe I should get the wheels balanced aswell. The car is going to need new tyres soon so I don't know if i want to get the ones on there balanced, can't remember how much it costs for balancing on average..

 

[unfortunately_french]

Anyone know if it could be something to do with the rusty track rod ends? Or if it's the outer or inner track rod ends that have a greater affect on the tracking?

 

[d4vy]

Had this exact problem, turned out to be bottom ball joints, one was completely shot one on way out, kept on appearing as though my tracking was out. May be worth getting it on a ramp and having a tug!

 

[Tunst]

Check the tie rods, both have mine have play in then which knocks the tracking out, i just cba to replace atm..

Also check the rod ends and bottom ball joints.

 

[Cooksport]

Does it always end up pulling left after each time the tracking is done?

 

[unfortunately_french]

Does it always end up pulling left after each time the tracking is done?

Yes, with steering wheel dead straight, the car pulls to the left so im driving about with the steering wheel about 10-15 degrees to the right.

 

[d4vy]

I would like to add as well, when it's doing this are you driving on a road with adverse camber? If I drive mine on a slightly uneven road the tracking also appears out, think thats normal?

 

[D4N13L]

Is it lowered? This have a big effect on tramlining

Are they cheap tyres?

 

[unfortunately_french]

I would like to add as well, when it's doing this are you driving on a road with adverse camber? If I drive mine on a slightly uneven road the tracking also appears out, think thats normal?

I'm aware of the affect of cambered roads mate that's not what i'm referring to. There's a few roads by me that are freshly resurfaced and smooth as a baby's bum and have driven other cars down the same road and have no problems so there's definitely an issue.

 

[unfortunately_french]

Is it lowered? This have a big effect on tramlining

Are they cheap tyres?

Lowering is for dummies who don't appreciate the handling kinematics of a car so no, and the tyres are michelin pilot exaltos which are the recommended tyre for a 182.

 

[d4vy]

I'm aware of the affect of cambered roads mate that's not what i'm referring to. There's a few roads by me that are freshly resurfaced and smooth as a baby's bum and have driven other cars down the same road and have no problems so there's definitely an issue.

Have you actually checked any of the steering components? You haven't mentioned having had any of those checked. Like I said I had that exact thing and it was bottom ball joints.

 

[unfortunately_french]

Have you actually checked any of the steering components? You haven't mentioned having had any of those checked. Like I said I had that exact thing and it was bottom ball joints.

No not checked anything yet as have only just realised it's not the shitty roads and potholes causing it. Car is going to be booked in for a service next week will get the guy to have a look then i suppose.

 

[Tigger]

Got my alignment done last week when I got tyres put on and they noticed play in my n/s steering arm.
Just got it fitted and had my alignment checked, twice.
Wheel was at about 2 o'clock when on a straight road so had to run back. Now it's a lot better but still not dead straight (on various roads)

Is this normal?

Cheers

 

[guysy]

Well after finding out both my track rods where completely shot and i thought everything was ok... id jack up each side or take it to a garage and get them to test the tyre top to bottom, left to right and see if there is any play.

 

[markfishy]

This should be quite a simple job for a good workshop. first road test. determine how much pull, does it do it on and off power, and in same direction. Is the car steering from the rear. etc
vehicle inspection, check ball joints etc. for free play. check components are tight. etc.
The fact it is ok then 'moves' probably indicates., as mentioned, worn joints. really bad top mounts does the same.
Getting the steering wheel straight is quite easy and is a customer right when suspension work is carried out.
regards mark