Xantia Estate Wheel Alignment - when to have it checked?

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.
NAM
Donor 2024
Posts: 156
Joined: 13 May 2008, 22:42
x 2

Xantia Estate Wheel Alignment - when to have it checked?

Unread post by NAM »

Hi Guys
I have recently has a new anti roll drop link and track rod end fitted to the front o/s (latter needed to pass MOT) and am now wondering if I should have the tracking/wheel alignment checked. I read on other threads about garages making a mess of this - so any recommendations or things to ask would be helpful.

Am I right to assume that if a track rod end is replaced I should have the tracking checked :?:
NEW 50 Shades of Grey C5 Tourer 2016 BlueHDi 2L VTR+
C4 (62) 1.6HDi VTR+ (Feb 2020)
Silver Dream Machine: C4 Hatchback, 1.6 SX HDi (07) (July 2013 - Feb 2020)
C5 Tourer Exclusive 09/2Ltr HDi (Oct 2012-Sept 2021 146K miles
Xantia Estate Mk2 1.8LX V-Reg/2000 173K miles.
Top
User avatar
bruno
Posts: 18
Joined: 01 Feb 2009, 12:23

Unread post by bruno »

Drop links are part of the suspension, connects the cilinder to the anti-roll bar. Changing them shouldn't upset the steering geometry, so you don't need to check it unless you feel there's something wrong.
Xantia SX mk. 1 2.0 16v petrol hidropneumatique
Top
Brigsygtt
Posts: 289
Joined: 12 Jan 2009, 18:19
x 1

Unread post by Brigsygtt »

Id get the tracking checked if you have had a trackrod end replaced. Even when there on the same amount of threads the tracking is always out.
97 Xantia 1.9 td lx with a/c (Daily, 172K, FOR SALE)
98 Xantia Hdi Lx with a/c (105k)
97 Renault Extra (c1j turbo 230+hp, 12.88@106)
91 Renault 5 Gt turbo (68k minter)
Top
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11635
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
x 1222

Unread post by Peter.N. »

I use a length of conduit tube with a threaded rod slid into it and adjust the tracking myself. If one extremity of the setting is 'parrallel' , adjust the length of the rod untill it just touches the inside of the tyres at wheel rim level at the front, then transfer it to the back, its quite easy to feel if the distance is the same, takes about five minutes. If it needs adjusting, alter the length of the side that will bring the steering wheel to straight ahead, if it already is, adjust each track rod by the same ammount.
Top
Homer
Posts: 1503
Joined: 26 Feb 2003, 10:52
x 16

Unread post by Homer »

Peter.N. wrote:its quite easy to feel if the distance is the same
It's not supposed to be the same. It should have a certain angle of toe-in or toe-out.
Top
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11635
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
x 1222

Unread post by Peter.N. »

If you look at the spec you will find that paralell is within tolerance, but its quite easy to adjust the the required tow in/out using this method. I have been doing it this way for around 30 years and and getting on for 1,000,000 miles and my tyres always wear evenly.
Top

Return to “Citroën”