D2 front shockers - replacing bushings after 340,000 km's

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Originally Posted by Campaspe Man

Just to report back, after all the helpful assistance I've received.

The wheel alignment was done today, and happily I was able to convince the chaps to set the front to a positive toe-out (as has been suggested). Earlier in this thread I described problems with rapid wearing on the inside line of the front tyres, and the need to replace the lower bushes on the front shocks (which I did after having new front tyres fitted, and putting the not-so-old but now unevenly worn front tyres to the rear).

Next step was the alignment. I now have a total toe of +1.1mm, whereas previously I had a total of -4.1 (uneven between left and right). I have to admit I don't understand how it can be uneven, but never mind). Below is the full report. The fella seemed to think the camber is in pretty good shape, and nothing else of major concern.

Any thoughts about the results below? (sorry, tried to rotate the image, but without luck)Attachment 194958


I'm thinking that amount of excessive toe-in is probably responsible for the uneven wear...?

Thanks again,
Myles

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If the tyres were worn on the inside, you had too much negative toe, which the image shows.

You still want negative Toe ( front tyres pointing outward ) but only -1mm, not -4.1mm.

they are now toeing in, (+1.1mm) which is the opposite of what you want.

You will never get an accurate alignment with unservicable Tie or track rod ends.

They should have checked this before attempting a wheel alignment.

The difference between different sides just means the wheels weren't perfectly straight when the alignment was done.

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Originally Posted by TonyC

The drag link goes from the steering box to the left (on a right hand drive car) front wheel.
The tie rod goes from one front wheel to the other, it's behind the axel on a D1 or Defender, I assume the same on a D2.

Play in the drag link ball joints won't affect the wheel alignment, play in the tie rod ball joints will.

Play in any need to be fixed.

Tony

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Thanks Tony - yes, the jiggle is in the forward steering drag link at the wheel/knuckle.
Gotcha.

Myles

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Originally Posted by discorevy

If the tyres were worn on the inside, you had too much negative toe, which the image shows.

You still want negative Toe ( front tyres pointing outward ) but only -1mm, not -4.1mm.

they are now toeing in, (+1.1mm) which is the opposite of what you want.

You will never get an accurate alignment with unservicable Tie or track rod ends.

They should have checked this before attempting a wheel alignment.

The difference between different sides just means the wheels weren't perfectly straight when the alignment was done.

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Oh dear. I used the words "toe-out" 1mm. I must admit that I took this to mean positive toe. But you are clearly saying that toe-out is negative. I suspect the error was made when the lad working on the car called me and referred to positve rather than toe-in (and I made the mistake at that point).

Oh well, shouldn't be too hard to fix (once I deal with the drag link jiggle).

Cheers,
Myles

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Originally Posted by Campaspe Man

But I'm sensing you don't think it should have any jiggle in it?

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Nup. It's on its way to failing. Personally, I'd replace all the tie-rod ends and do another alignment.