REsuper7

iTrader: (4)

So i recently had to replace my driver's side front inner tie rod. After putting everything back together and onto the car, i noticed that i can't get both wheels straight at the same time, even with the tie rods turned all the way in.





If i straighten one wheel the other wheel is angled outward.



and...



Any ideas of what the problem could be? I got the replacement driver's side inner tie rod from another steering rack off a 93 and i made sure i took it from the same side that i was replacing.

REsuper7

iTrader: (4)

I removed the outer tie rods and measured end-to-end from driver's side tie rod to passenger side tie rod and it's roughly 50 inches. Should it be less than that?

DoomSprayer

Best info you could get would be to take it to get an alignment, also sometimes wheels look off but they are straight and its just an optical illusion, i noticed this a bit more with the FD cause of how the car curves in the front, there is no "straight" part of the car to reference it from. Not saying thats what you are seeing, but its just something to think about

djritz

Maybe a dumb question, but have you tried looking at it with the car on the ground?

rxmiles

iTrader: (11)

I deal with this daily. Just take it to a reputable shop that has a good alignment rack. We use Hunter's newest system. Should run you ~$80 to do so and you can ask them to set your camber as you wish.

billyboy

You haven't removed the uni from the pinion during the process?

I can probably get a length from a few racks otherwise in the next few days...if the memory works otherwise.

REsuper7

iTrader: (4)

Thanks for all the suggestions. I haven't put the car on the ground yet as i've been working to get the car running again.

I never disassembled the rack and pinion, the only thing i did was replace the driver's side tie rod. the next thing i'm going to try is get the car onto the ground and use my toe plates to take some measurements. if all else fails, i'll take it to an alignment shop.

billyboy, if you have measurements, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

REsuper7

iTrader: (4)

Mystery Solved! The whole time i assumed the problem was related to my steering rack and/or tie rods and possibly the way i installed/put everything together. Turns out, the steel arm that holds the passenger outer tie rod end was bent in, that's why i was having trouble getting both wheels straight even with the tie rods turned all the way in.

Thanks again for everyone's input.