www.jec.org.uk

2003 4.2XKR 95k miles

I replaced my track rod ends 6 weeks back then had my wheels aligned. A month later a took the car back to get the alignment checked and they were out again by a large margin c3degrees. They corrected it again and now a week later they feel out again and I am getting some shaking at c70mph. Any ideas? I am guessing that something else could be the issue???

Thanks

Hi Jonathan,
It does sound as if you have some worn components on the car. Start by checking the front wheel bearings. Jack up the car, grasp each wheel at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and try to rock the wheel. If you can detect any movement whatsoever, the bearing needs to be changed. To ensure that any movement is coming from the bearing, repeat the test whilst someone presses the brake pedal. The movement will disappear if the bearing is at fault. If movement remains, repeat the rocking test whilst someone watches and/or feels for movement in the top wishbone bushes and/or the upper ball joint. Lower ball joint wear can be tested by using a large lever beneath the tyre and watching for movement in that ball joint. Mike.

Hi Jonathan ,
Agree with Mike , just don't forget to use Axle stands in conjunction with your jack .

Do you know if the alignment people checked for worn or damaged steering/suspension components before doing your car ?
In my humble opinion its a waste of time and money not checking for wear before adjusting/checking and most importantly have ALL four wheels checked for alignment ,

Hope this helps ,

Nik

thanks to you both I will follow your advice. Nik no they didnt check for any other faults first, they simply did the alignment and they did do all 4 wheels. I only had to pay once.

Tested the front wheels and they seem ok, however there is a lot of up and down play in the rear wheels, is this normal? I am going to have an expert look at the front wheels. thanks

Put bluntly, yes, it's not unusual to find considerable freeplay in the rears when you rock the wheel/tyre combination. That play is a combination of diff output shaft endfloat (max 6 thou) plus wheel bearing endfloat (3 thou) plus any fractional amounts in the two UJs. On a 20" wheel that can soon mount up to significant movement! Mike.