Steering Rack

[CaptB]

The left (passenger side tie rod) took about 10 turns less than the right side tie rod (driver's) to get the tires roughly straight, is that ok?
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[Ted G]

Can't help you yet... but I love the chassis color. I'm also going with a different color chassis.

[mosh1999]

Your steering arms are reversed and the outer tie rod will mate from the bottom.

[CaptB]

Your steering arms are reversed and the outer tie rod will mate from the bottom.

Are you saying that the steering arms need to be reversed? The rack was sent as is but you're telling me it was assembled backward?

[mosh1999]

Yes, take them off. The steering arms need to be pointed forward, point slightly outwards, and the tapered hole will be larger opening towards the ground. This allows the taper on the outer end to point up and mate to the steering arm. This will give you the correct geometry.

[RogerDM]

Yes, take them off. The steering arms need to be pointed forward, point slightly outwards, and the tapered hole will be larger opening towards the ground. This allows the taper on the outer end to point up and mate to the steering arm. This will give you the correct geometry.

We'll keep that in mind when we start working on my friend's new Roadster project. The PO's son messed with it so we'll see. Got to finish installing the bumper, winch, and truck accessories (https://4wheelonline.com/) on the Silverado before we can clear the garage.

[edwardb]

I agree the spindles are assembled incorrectly. The steering arms need to be installed so that the larger taper is to the bottom. Then the tie rod ends go in from the bottom and the nut is on the top. Pretty clear in the manual that's how it's assembled. Nothing to do with the steering rack itself. Unfortunately, quite a bit of disassembly to fix. But has to be done. You don't want to leave it like that. Your front end geometry will not be right.

As for the difference in threads between the two sides -- don't start there. Turn the steering wheel lock to lock. Count the exact number of turns. Then orient the steering wheel to exactly 1/2 the number of turns. Example: 3 turns lock to lock. Orient the steering wheel at 1-1/2 turns. Then adjust the tie rod ends to get the wheels pointed straight. Just a wild guess, but if you put the steering rack adapter set screw in the pocket already on the shaft, good chance it's way off and the steering wheel itself won't be oriented properly. That's a common issue.

There's a more involved process of making sure the steering rack itself is centered on the chassis. Doesn't hurt anything. But I've found the Mk4 mounts are reasonably centered compared to earlier versions.

[SteveHsr]

The left (passenger side tie rod) took about 10 turns less than the right side tie rod (driver's) to get the tires roughly straight, is that ok?
164819164820164821

In addition to checking that assembly is correct, raise wheels up to level lower A arms, then adjust tie rod lengths.

[jab351w]

This is the more involved process of centering the rack that Paul mentioned above:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?19175-Steering-Rack-Install-Setup-Procedure&highlight=Steering+Rack+Install%2FSetup+Procedure

[Jeff Kleiner]

As has been said by others your steering arms need to come off and be reinstalled so that they angle outward and have the wide end of the taper pointing down. Center your rack as Paul said and then install the tie rods from below.

Jeff

[CaptB]

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Ok, does this look right?

[egchewy79]

164836164837

Ok, does this look right?

looking better. did you swap the steering arms side to side? there's a slight taper and you want to make sure the larger taper is on the bottom. Get the outer tie rod length close and then fine adjustments are made by adjusting the threaded shaft after pulling the rubber boot back. for alignment, adjust camber, caster, then toe, in that order. If you do toe first, it'll be off by the time you get the camber/caster adjusted.

[CaptB]

looking better. did you swap the steering arms side to side? there's a slight taper and you want to make sure the larger taper is on the bottom. Get the outer tie rod length close and then fine adjustments are made by adjusting the threaded shaft after pulling the rubber boot back. for alignment, adjust camber, caster, then toe, in that order. If you do toe first, it'll be off by the time you get the camber/caster adjusted.

The larger taper is on the bottom.

[phileas_fogg]

Deleted

[CaptB]

I think this one is solved now, I'm working on centering the rack and the basic alignment stuff. The steering arms were swapped, larger tapered end at the bottom.

Thanks to all.

[CaptB]

Not centered, not aligned but just installed for a quick test.


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