An observation seeking an explanation

[yahrt]

This morning I addressed 2 items on my to do list:
1. Adjusted the aiming of the headlights
2. Addressed my steering wheel which was not set to dead straight by removing both tie rod ball joints and rotating each two turns (both rotating the tires to the drivers side).

Then I went on a test drive, the steering wheel was perfectly clocked to 12 o'clock on the straightaway but something even better had happened. I have been calling the steering twitchy. Many others have used that word but I don't really know what it means. in my case it is the relatively mild effect of a bit of initial resistance when I first turn the steering wheel which resulted in moving a little further than I intend and requiring a slight correction in the opposite direction. Today the steering was amazing. And before anyone says that it was the headlamp adjustments (ha ha), it must have something to do with tie rod ball joints. The toe adjustment should be the same since I moved each side the same direction and same amount. So my question is: could the prior steering effect that I noticed be caused if the ball joints were either too tight or too loose? Any other ideas? Mostly just a curiosity at this point.

[Jeff Kleiner]

This morning I addressed 2 items on my to do list:
1. Adjusted the aiming of the headlights
2. Addressed my steering wheel which was not set to dead straight by removing both tie rod ball joints and rotating each two turns (both rotating the tires to the drivers side).

Then I went on a test drive, the steering wheel was perfectly clocked to 12 o'clock on the straightaway but something even better had happened. I have been calling the steering twitchy. Many others have used that word but I don't really know what it means. in my case it is the relatively mild effect of a bit of initial resistance when I first turn the steering wheel which resulted in moving a little further than I intend and requiring a slight correction in the opposite direction. Today the steering was amazing. And before anyone says that it was the headlamp adjustments (ha ha), it must have something to do with tie rod ball joints. The toe adjustment should be the same since I moved each side the same direction and same amount. So my question is: could the prior steering effect that I noticed be caused if the ball joints were either too tight or too loose? Any other ideas? Mostly just a curiosity at this point.

It's because of the toe. Trust me...get the car properly aligned.

Jeff

[skidd]

^^ this!

[RoadRacer]

Amen! The difference between toe in and toe out is but a twitch when you’re touching the rod ends!

[CraigS]

I use these to set toe.
https://www.longacreracing.com/shop.aspx?itemid=2445&prodid=10270&pagetitle=Aluminum-Toe-Plates-with-Magnets%2c-Standard-Style
You can make something to work the same way w/ some plywood. Just be sure to get the contact surfaces high enough to be above the tire bulge, say 3.5" off the floor.

[Norm B]

This morning I addressed 2 items on my to do list:

2. Addressed my steering wheel which was not set to dead straight by removing both tie rod ball joints and rotating each two turns (both rotating the tires to the drivers side).
If I understand you correctly, you removed the tie rod end from the spindle to make an adjustment. For future reference, this is not required. To adjust toe you simply loosen the jam nut, release the clamp on the outside of the bellows and adjust by turning the tie rod. The inside tie rod end is a ball joint that allows for rotation. Most inner tie rods have a hex section that allows for a wrench to be used for adjustment.

Norm

[Mike.Bray]

^^^This^^^