Align front end after new trackbar???

[Mark_Kendrick]

I just got a new trackbar put on by the dealer and they claim that a front end alignment is not necessary. They told me when I scheduled the appointment and when I dropped it off that it was neccessary. #@$%!



They did not even tell me the alignment was not done. I found out by reading the paperwork. #@$%!



This goes against everything I know about tires and front end parts.



I was taught that if any component on a steering axle is replaced that you have it aligned to ensure that the tires will not be worn prematurely.



WTF??? somebody set me straight!!!

 

[Shooter]

What makes you think the stealer would align it correctly rather than put it in spec's

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

Nuthin! good point. I just hate wasting another $50+ on a front end that was just aligned a few hundred miles ago.

 

[illflem]

For once the dealer is right, there is no need to realign after replacing the trackbar.

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by illflem

For once the dealer is right, there is no need to realign after replacing the trackbar.

EXCEPT when or course the steering wheel is 90 degrees off after worn trakc-bar is replaced... like me

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

Where's Wyojim when you need him.

 

[Chipstien]

Excuse me for askingbut....

Am I right when saying the trackbar is the one that runs from the steering box to the passenger wheel.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Chipstein....

The track bar runs from the left frame rail down (over) to the right side of the front differential. Supposedly keeps the diff from moving too much right to left.

 

[WyoJim]

What can I say Mark... . illflem is correct. . it shouldn't need aligned.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

OK. . chalk one up to the dealer.



They said it would need it twice then I picked it up after a day and it wasn't done. That's what irritated me. I should get a call or explanation, not have to find out on the way home while reading the paperwork.



Other than this they have been very helpful.



the dealer is Quality Motors in Independence, KS.



They are Bomber friendly as long as you have not caused the failure due to a mod and they are generally easy to get along with.

 

[45A1]

i'll second tomeygun's comment-did my own with a napa bar and ended up 90 degrees off. paid to get it lined up and am still fighting problems... but no time to get it fixed again. i wish someone would make a "good" truck to put around the cummins

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by 45A1

i'll second tomeygun's comment-did my own with a napa bar and ended up 90 degrees off. paid to get it lined up and am still fighting problems... but no time to get it fixed again. i wish someone would make a "good" truck to put around the cummins

well,well,well



mine is a napa replacement too, pattern maybe?

 

[Sheepherderspecial]

im on my second napa trackbar. good thing its free lifetime replacement. this one had about 20,000 miles and a year on the truck with 90 percent highway.

 

[illflem]

I think the reason you guys are having steering wheel alignment problems after a new trackbar is because you had an alignment done with the worn trackbar. Possibly right before replacing it?

 

[danandamy]

Since the track bar basically keeps the axle from moving left to right I can see where the steering wheel would get out of whack. Actually, I think I might have killed my trackbar during an altercation with wildlife awhile back. ANYWAY, if you turn the adjusting sleeve closest to the gearbox ONLY in one direction or the other, wouldn't that move only the pitman arm and reposition your steering wheel where you want it?



dan

 

[Shooter]

Installed noew Moog track bar & steering stabilizer today. steering wheel off about 90* due to the new track br being about 1/4 - 3/8 longer than oem. Went to alignment shop and had the steering wheel centered. all other alignment were still where they were at 10kmi( 53k now) with the track bar being longer and off setting the front axle my thrust angle went from . 01* to . 43* right. That induces a slight pull to the right that can nnot be adjusted out as the rear is now running . 43* doglegged to the right.



The track bar was easier to remove than the stabilizer stud. #@$%!



Except for the pull the steering is very precise againOo. Oo.

 

[Tomeygun]

A: would the pull to right be solved with a spacer?



B: my moog track bar is now 1500 miles old, and i feel the looseness again, could it be that i need to RE-tighten it?



damn this nagging steering problem