XC70: Wheels/Brakes Tie Rods

[Harvey1963]

I'm in the process of adjusting the alignment on my 2011 XC70. The thread on the tie rod around where the securing nut for the tie rod end is located is corroded making it difficult to adjust accurately. Thinking I'm going to put up a die to tidy up the thread. Does anyone know what size/ pitch of thread is on the tie rod?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Harvey1963

I'm in the process of adjusting the alignment on my 2011 XC70. The thread on the tie rod around where the securing nut for the tie rod end is located is corroded making it difficult to adjust accurately. Thinking I'm going to put up a die to tidy up the thread. Does anyone know what size/ pitch of thread is on the tie rod?

Not to sound rude, but DIY alignment rarely works. These cars need to be aligned properly with four wheel alignment equipment (Hunter at Kwik Fit for example). Its top notch kit, DIY doesn't even come close.

Just bring it to a place that does four wheel alignment. Its not cheap (around £80), but you'll kick yourself if you do something wrong accidentally & your steering geometry is messed up.

[Harvey1963]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Not to sound rude, but DIY alignment rarely works. These cars need to be aligned properly with four wheel alignment equipment (Hunter at Kwik Fit for example). Its top notch kit, DIY doesn't even come close.

Just bring it to a place that does four wheel alignment. Its not cheap (around £80), but you'll kick yourself if you do something wrong accidentally & your steering geometry is messed up.

I'm not actually aligning the steering, merely tweaking the position of the steering wheel. The alignment has been correctly adjusted on a Hunter 4 wheel alignment machine but the steering wheel is slightly out. I've done this a few times previously and manage to adjust it without upsetting the alignment. Problem this time is the threads are corroded, preventing the free movement of the nut.

[Ian21401]

Give the threads a good clean then leave them soaked with oil for a few days before trying to adjust anything. Over the years I’ve “tweaked” my tie rod adjustment a few times and grease up the exposed thread once I’ve finished.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Harvey1963

I'm not actually aligning the steering, merely tweaking the position of the steering wheel. The alignment has been correctly adjusted on a Hunter 4 wheel alignment machine but the steering wheel is slightly out. I've done this a few times previously and manage to adjust it without upsetting the alignment. Problem this time is the threads are corroded, preventing the free movement of the nut.

I see what you mean. Although, I would have thought that the person performing the alignment would have made sure the steering was straight! It seems like the geometry has been adjusted as normal, but the wheel wasn't locked 100% true to centre. That's why you've ended up with a wonky wheel.

Give the threads a good soak in penetration oil & allow it to do its thing for a few days. Then try a wire brush on the threads, or some sandpaper.

[Harvey1963]

They were very good but I'm just extremely fussy!

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Harvey1963

They were very good but I'm just extremely fussy!

They weren’t that good. If they were, you wouldn’t need to do any adjustments to get the steering straight!

[Ian21401]

I agree with Kev. They should have checked that the rack was centralised and the steering wheel was in the correct position and locked in place. I’ve had issues like this with alignment operators in the past.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Ian21401

I agree with Kev. They should have checked that the rack was centralised and the steering wheel was in the correct position and locked in place. I’ve had issues like this with alignment operators in the past.

That's right the first thing they should do it lock the steering wheel in the straight position with a special clamp tool .
There is nothing special about "hunter" machines they all do the same job . It's the operator you need to choose rather than the machine ..
no one does font alignment on its own these days all 4 have to be aligned to the centre line of the car ...

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Clan

That's right the first thing they should do it lock the steering wheel in the straight position with a special clamp tool .
There is nothing special about "hunter" machines they all do the same job . It's the operator you need to choose rather than the machine ..
no one does font alignment on its own these days all 4 have to be aligned to the centre line of the car ...

Very true. The person using the machine needs to know how to use it!

Yes, Hunter machines all do the same job, but its expensive kit. Not every garage has the four wheel alignment equipment.