Tracking measurments

[fesuvious]

(I know I am talking about Discovery's but surely it is applicable acros the range?)

In one of the Land Rover magazines this month it said that the steering bar measurment for a Discovery 1 should be 1230 inbetween the centre points of the balljoints to ensure the wheels are set right.

My question ; Is this the same for the series 2 disco? Does anybody here know?

[dxmedia]

I'd say that that article is talking rubbish  :lol: :lol: :lol:

Tracking needs to be done on a per vehicle basis, with the track rod adjusting to give the correct amount of toe in / out. For a permi 4x4 I'd guess that the landrover wants to be 0 degrees.

If you use a specific measurement, any alterations in the track due to alterations in chassis, bushes, slight differences in pattern parts will all effect this measurement and if using a static length, then premature tyre wear can take place.

If the tracking is set at 0 degrees (a guess) then it's very very easy to do at home.

Get a sliding pipe of some description, metal clothes hangers have them - the 2 pipes which go inside each other with a plastic thumb screw to lock. Park the car flat, get a couple of bricks and make up a pile at the rear and front of each wheel on the inside edge on each side.  Rest the pole on this block so the pole is touching the inner middle of the tyre on each side at a known point. Slide the pole until it's touching the other tyre at the same point on the other side.

Repeat this at the front and the back of the tyre, and adjust the track rod so that the pole is the same length when it's touching the tyres front and back.


That's a convoluted description of doing something which is very very simple. But, that will set it for exactly your car.


If someone can give the amount of toe in in degree's, then a quick bit of trig would tell you exactly how much shorter the length at the front should be over the rear for a specific size of tyre and place on the side wall.


Or take it to your local garage and have laser alignment done for about

[Disco Matt]

What he said

If there was a one-size-fits-all length for the track rod then LR wouldn't bother making it adjustable. Just beware some chain garages as they might not necessarily have a clue how to set up LR steering properly. Our local one managed to screw up the centre position on my steering box, presumably by moving things they shouldn't have touched while the track rod end they were replacing was off. Taking it back in for "tracking" had no effect whatsoever!

[dxmedia]

What he said

If there was a one-size-fits-all length for the track rod then LR wouldn't bother making it adjustable. Just beware some chain garages as they might not necessarily have a clue how to set up LR steering properly. Our local one managed to screw up the centre position on my steering box, presumably by moving things they shouldn't have touched while the track rod end they were replacing was off. Taking it back in for "tracking" had no effect whatsoever!

The drag link from the steering box to the track rod should have an adjustable bit on it - if you adjust this it will alter the steering wheel center without effecting the tracking ;)

[Range Rover Blues]

The measurement given will be a niminal size, so all assmebled track rods supplied to LR would be assembled to that size.  It would provide basic tracking to allow the vehicle to be assembled and delivered.

On a beam axle there aren't too many things that would affect it.

The tracking should then be checked at PDI and set correctly.  For a RRC it should be 0-3mm Toe out.

[Disco Matt]

What he said

If there was a one-size-fits-all length for the track rod then LR wouldn't bother making it adjustable. Just beware some chain garages as they might not necessarily have a clue how to set up LR steering properly. Our local one managed to screw up the centre position on my steering box, presumably by moving things they shouldn't have touched while the track rod end they were replacing was off. Taking it back in for "tracking" had no effect whatsoever!

The drag link from the steering box to the track rod should have an adjustable bit on it - if you adjust this it will alter the steering wheel center without effecting the tracking ;)

They managed the opposite - altering the steering wheel centre while trying to set the tracking!

I won't fiddle with steering or brakes. Thing is, if an amateur mechanic like me has a go and it falls apart at 70mph then it's entirely their fault, and we've seen such a case go to court in recent years. I'd rather let a trained pro work on those bits (and have since found an independent who knows how to set LR steering up). I will replace pads and check fluid levels, but I won't disturb hoses or fixings.

[Range Rover Blues]

Adjusting the length of the track rod will necessitate checking of the drag link length too.  The drag link moves further than the track rod too so you can't just say 1 turn on the track rod =half a turn on the drag link.

On late model there is a 7mm hole in the botto of the steering box and a fork in the dro-arm so you can lock it in centre position.  On older LR you disconnect the drag link then turn to full left lock, then turn 2 full turns right and that is the centre of the steering.

[fesuvious]

Thanks for the input guys;

Yes ! Of course ! why didn't I think to realise that if the wheel measurments are equal then it is set at 0 degrees !!!!! :roll: I am such a plum!

Oh, as for setting up the steering center: On mine it is not 4 turns lock to lock but 3&3/4 and so 1.8 turns back from full lock equals the center point. I have read about it being 2 turns but seemingly not on my 300tdi......

[SteveGoodz]

The setting of the steering stops will, of course, determine how many turns you get lock-to-lock. I think the 4 turns figure is the maximum it can be with the adjusters screwed all the way in and no tyres on the wheels.

[fesuvious]

ahh, but I checked it with the steering arm disconnected !

[Range Rover Blues]

Yes I know the steering box goes about 3 3/4 turns, so does mine and I spent ages finding the mid-point.  Then i found out the correct procedure for setting it up.  Disconnect the drag link and turn fully left, 2 complete turns back to the right is the centre point.

[SteveGoodz]

ahh, but I checked it with the steering arm disconnected !

Oohh ... sneaky  :clap:

[fesuvious]

Righty ! Job Done

Just replaced the steering bars ( both of em) on my 300tdi and also my TD5.

td5 steering box has a locater for the centre position but I will say one word of warning...there is a good quarter turn (steering wheel) across the area whereby it still looks 'centered'. Anyway, TD5 with BFG AT's I set-up using a tape measure, and, for now am pretty chuffed with the results!

Only bad thing, turns out the steering wheel isn't on straight :roll: so I disconnected the battery and left for a bit to ensure safety with the airbag only to find that someone has rounded off the torx bolts that hold the airbag! - Plan is to disconnect steering linkage and straighten up the wheel that way.

The TDI: Was really quite simple. Although I worked on 1.8 turns as opposed to what is written above - seems ok?

On a side note. the TD5 also has had new suspension and ball joints at the hub and it has highlighted just how damn stiff the sidewaals on the BFG AT's are!