Steering play excessive

[danielj]

Front tyres have been wearing heavily on inside of tyres recently particularly on passanger side so went to get an alignment done. Alignment place put it up on lift and checked steering first. When they shook the front wheel there was quite a bit of movement in front stabiliser bar and track rod end. They showed it to me and there appeared to be quite a bit of movement. They said it would be pointless doing alignment until some of play was eliminated. Ball joints appear ok, bushings seem ok, nuts and bolts seem to be tight, doesn't seem to be overloose wheel bearing. Alignment place says front stabiliser bar needs to be changed and maybe track rods. Also appears torsion bar on same side has moved as rubber cover on end of the bar is squeezed into the holder bracket. Anyone any thoughts on best way to go to sort this?

 

[jims-terrano]

If they mean the anto roll bar link then that does not effect the alignment. Often the centre drag link ball joint things wear and that is a complete centre drag link, is that what they mean by track rod ends? might be best if you get the garage to point out exactly what parts they mean.

They do have a fair point about getting things sorted before re-alignment but depends upon tyre wear too. Once they have got to the stage you can tell they are wearing it is too late for those tyres. So tyres may need replacing too to get the alignment correct and I also believe that people on here say you need someone sat in drivers seat too whilst alignment is been done.

Jim

 

[Fez_uk]

what the play there with the engine running?

 

[danielj]

If they mean the anto roll bar link then that does not effect the alignment. Often the centre drag link ball joint things wear and that is a complete centre drag link, is that what they mean by track rod ends? might be best if you get the garage to point out exactly what parts they mean.

They do have a fair point about getting things sorted before re-alignment but depends upon tyre wear too. Once they have got to the stage you can tell they are wearing it is too late for those tyres. So tyres may need replacing too to get the alignment correct and I also believe that people on here say you need someone sat in drivers seat too whilst alignment is been done.

Jim

Jim, its not the anti roll bar link, it's the actual roll bar itself--the round bar going across the front of the truck. What I mean by the track rod end is the adjustable rod that you tighten or loosen to adjust the tracking (i.e. toe in or toe out). They did show me the parts moving. I'm probably not explaining things too well. Whether its related or not there is a metal creaking or clunking noise on locking of the wheel moving off from stationary and its not the steering bump stops.
Thanks for advice about tyre wear. Tyres will have to go as you can definately see the bald strip on the inside.

 

[danielj]

what the play there with the engine running?

Didn't try it with engine running. Are you thinking the excessive play when stationary might have something to do with power steering??

 

[makeitfit]

Well unless the ARB is in two bits there's nowt wrong with it. You may need bushes though if it's moving side to side :nenau ie the two U bolt type fittings in the middle at the front. The drop links at the end fail easily too. The ARB itself won't affect tracking.
The track rod ends will and are replacable:thumb2

 

[Fez_uk]

maybe, even so mine has issues with inside wear.

 

[makeitfit]

maybe, even so mine has issues with inside wear.

That's because you've got NO arb :doh

 

[Fez_uk]

that was when i had the arb, I've only just taken it off in the pat 1-2 months. :thumbs

 

[makeitfit]

that was when i had the arb, I've only just taken it off in the pat 1-2 months. :thumbs

hmmm, was your recent MOT a pub one ? :augie
Usual suspects really, T2 steering's crap So check your balls mate, then bearings etc etc. It's all cumulative

 

[Fez_uk]

Na MOT is all legit, just not a strict kwik fit crap one.

well the standard tyres had wear on the inside, and there is some on the kl71s. But it doesn't seem too serious.

 

[ocelot]

Front tyres have been wearing heavily on inside of tyres recently particularly on passanger side so went to get an alignment done. Alignment place put it up on lift and checked steering first. When they shook the front wheel there was quite a bit of movement in front stabiliser bar and track rod end. They showed it to me and there appeared to be quite a bit of movement. They said it would be pointless doing alignment until some of play was eliminated. Ball joints appear ok, bushings seem ok, nuts and bolts seem to be tight, doesn't seem to be overloose wheel bearing. Alignment place says front stabiliser bar needs to be changed and maybe track rods. Also appears torsion bar on same side has moved as rubber cover on end of the bar is squeezed into the holder bracket. Anyone any thoughts on best way to go to sort this?

could be the relay bar, there's a couple of joints on that which get worn, also the drop link off the steering box.......... plus the usual joints, links etc.... I had the same problem but solved by changing the drag link and new track rod ends....

 

[danielj]

Thanks for all above suggestions. Haven't had chance to lift it up and have look around yet but couldn't quite grasp why stabiliser bar would need replacing. Makeitfit, the u type bushings in the centre of the bar are new enough as I replaced them not too long ago. The arb drop links are also relatively new although I must check if the thick washers I put on them have pulled through on the lower a-frame arm again. The suggestions on the drag links and track rod ends being at fault are what I'm thinking are most likely correct at this point. Will confirm when I get a chance to have a good look at it.

 

[makeitfit]

Alignment centre not sure what a stabalizer bar is then :lol Twonks
Drag link then and or track rod ends