Adjusting Tracking - New Build

[Jim 123]

I have my new build S3 on wheels and it is showing a significant and unequal amount of Toe Out.

I may be doing something stupid, but I can't get any movement on either Tack Rod to make adjustments.  Can somebody tell me if I am doing something wrong before I resort to brute force.

I set the Track Rod Ends with 11 threads of the Track Rod engaged on each side as per the build instructions. The car is on the ground, with the retaining nuts for the Track Rod Ends fully loosed.  I am using Mole Grips to try and turn the Track Rods, and the grips are positioned just inboard of the threaded section of the Rods.  I haven't  tried to remove the Gaiters where the Track Rods exit the Rack assembly, is there a locking nut hiding in there.

[Titanium7]

If I remember correctly there should be some milled flats on the tie rods so you can turn them with a spanner rather than using mole grips.

[Richard Price]

You'll need to snip the tywrap clamping the gaiter onto the trackrods, then push the gaiter towards the rack to expose the spanner flats on the trackrods.

 

[wjblundell]

Check that the steering rack movement is centred i.e same number of turns to the left and right before adjusting the track rod ends. You may have to reposition the steering wheel and column if you fitted these prior to centring.

[diggerman]

The track rods are free to rotate in the ends of the rack. Have you loosened the lock nuts on the track rod ends? No force should be necessary to make the adjustment.

Peter

[Jim 123]

The locknuts are all loose, and I've taken the Rod Ends off just to ensure no crossed threads are inhibiting movement, but still no rotation.  I'll have a go at Richards' suggestion in the morning and snip the cable wraps and go hunting for the spanner flats on the Track Rods.