Replaced tierods and....

gfreek · 11-11-2004, 12:25 AM

I replaced both tierods on 93 SL and now the steering wheel is not straight when it should be. Realize that probably the toe is off,anybody now how to get the steering wheel straight and the right toein, without a complete alignment??

SoloSaturn · 11-11-2004, 02:31 AM

trial and error with some string and a tape measure. Or take it in to an alignment shop and get it done right the first time.

GoldieGoldie97 · 11-11-2004, 02:59 AM

dude he asked how to without taking it to the shop.

**Ssicarman** · 11-11-2004, 03:32 AM

As Solosaturn said tape measure to set the distance from center of tire tread front and center of tire tread back on the front wheels is the best way to do it with out taking it to a shop. Lots of trial and error. Even then you will only be marginally close to proper alignment.

gfreek · 11-11-2004, 03:46 AM

I've changed alot of tierods over the years, don't know what happened this time. I know about the tape measure procedure, but how do I get the steering wheel straight? Anybody know where I can get a toein toeut tool. ? Years ago we used to use a measurement bar onthe inside of the wheels going back to front.

Anony00GT · 11-12-2004, 02:46 AM

Did you replace inner tie rods, outer tie rods, or both?

Best bet is to center the wheel, see if you can find a device to hold it in place, like a piece of wood or something. Then jack up the car (all 4 wheels) with the suspension at full travel. Look down the inner edge of the front tire, and line up the front inner edge with the rear inner edge of that tire. At this point, you should have a straight line to the inner edges of the rear tire. If not, turn the inner tie rod until it does, and repeat with the other side. At this point, the steering wheel should be close to straight but that doesn't necessarily mean the toe will be where it's supposed to be, you're only setting steer-ahead this way. It might not work well since Saturns have an independent rear, but it works pretty well with solid-axle cars and should be a decent approximation for you, assuming the rear toe is set properly.

Then again, best thing is to quit cheaping out and pay for an alignment before you kill your tires :P