setting up rear axle
02GF74 - 7/9/06 at 01:04 PM
I have panhard rod that is used to set the side to side position of the rear axle(?).
I would also guess that the rear axle should be parallel to the front (that may be adjustable on mine?) and its centre is in line with the centre of
the front?
How can I check for location using DIY componnents i.e. string, bits of wood, measuring tape?
(more of an intersting excercie than fixing a problem).
David Jenkins - 7/9/06 at 03:39 PM
The centre of the rear axle should be on the centre line of the car - but remember that the drive flange isn't in the centre! Measure from wheel
flange to wheel flange and work out the real centre from that. Having the drive flange offset is a good thing - it's kind to the propshaft
UJs.
[Edited on 7/9/06 by David Jenkins]
JB - 7/9/06 at 03:46 PM
First you need to establish a centre line on the car. Where you take this is up to you (wheel arch to wheel arch, edge of chassis to edge of chassis
etc) Once you have decided then mark it. Centre you steering.
Stretch a string the length of the car front to back along the centre. Now you have a very good point of reference.
Next construct a string parrallel rectangle around the car at approx hub centre height. Axle stands are good for this.
Now put a line across the front of the car at right angles to the centre line and the side ones.
You should now be able to measure everything you want. You can check, axle side offset, axle square to the chassis, front wheels offset back and forth
and side to side. Toe, bumpsteer (load up the suspension and note change in toe).
The skill comes in constructing the string lines and accurate measurement. Try repeating each measurement 3 times to check repeatability.
I have beams that fit on the front and back of my car for the rectangle, and permanent marks for the centrel line.
I also have a special way of centering the steering.
This is the beam that I bolt to the front of the car. The square is checking the centre line to the white mark on the chassis.
This picture shows the bolt on the end of the beam that I use to adjust the string (fishing line) down each side.
John
[Edited on 7/9/06 by JB]
02GF74 - 8/9/06 at 09:44 AM
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
The centre of the rear axle should be on the centre line of the car -
I am surpirsed by this since
I would have thought you want the rear and front wheels to be symmetical; as far as I can see, the centre of the car is not relevant but the CoG is
and that won't be in the centere line of the chassis? Or am I being dense?
David Jenkins - 8/9/06 at 11:54 AM
It's nice to have each of the rear wheels the same distance from the centre line - it makes setting everything up SO much easier! 