wheel alignment

[4x4-581]

How much toe in does a mk3 need?

[dugite]

The spec for the F1 & F2 is 1.6mm to 2.4mm toe-in -

Hopefully someone can confirm it is the same for the Mk3 

[4X419]

Hello 4x4-581,

Please find photo attached.  This is from the Mk3 Service Manual.

Sing out if you have any problems viewing it and I'll type the details in.

Tom

[4x4-581]

Thanks. Ive got a huge problem at the moment
With wheel wobble over 45mph.
Is there any chance it could be a wheel balancing issue.

[4X419]

Hello 4x4-581,

It may be a wheel balance issue. . . .

I would recommend jacking up each individual wheel and try and rock it top to bottom, and then rock it front to back.  If it rocks top to bottom, well it might be a wheel bearing problem.  If it rocks front to back (front axle), it may be a tie rod issue.  Easy checks you can make before you progress a wheel balance.

That's my two bobs worth.

Tom

[GGG]

That wheel wobble problem was very common in service. What was not common was the ability to get workshops to do anything about it. "You drivers are just a bunch of whingers."
Incidentally there is a MK3 or 4 out the back of AFM at Minto.
Geoff.

[Bluebell One-eight]

While in checking mode also look at the swivel pin bearings, if they are loose that could cause wobble too.

[4x4-581]

When i look at the truck front on it almost
Looks like it has positive camber on both sides.
Unsure if toe in or out would cause this look though.

The front tyres are brand new pc50's....
The wheel wobble isnt a big problem for me
Cause 34mph is a good cruising speed i recon.

[Chazza]

In addition to what everyone else has said; tyres can also be made out-of-round and therefore unbalanced.

To check for this:
1. Jack a wheel off the ground.
2. Place a pointer such as a screwdriver on a stand at 9, or 3 o'clock. Make sure that the pointer cannot move.
3. Rotate the wheel by hand slowly, whilst at the same time adjusting the pointer to get it as close as possible to the tyre.
4. If the tyre moves away from the pointer and then back again, it is either a crook tyre, or it is not seated on the rim properly.

Cheers Charlie

[john.k]

If it was on a full rego,the yearly inspection would find any wear in the steering or wheel bearings.They put the wheels on movable platforms and try to rip them off the truck.Loose tie rods or steering box are more likely to cause wander,and banging when a wheel hits a pothole.I would look at balance first.Also check the brakedrums for out of round,as this often causes a flat spot to start on the tire,causing out of balance.I would also check the pivot bearings,they sometimes develop grooves and flats in the races/rollers.Jack both wheels clear,and turn the entire steering from one wheel.You should have smooth movement from lock to lock.An ontruck wheel balance isnt costly,provided they dont need 10kg of weights.Regards John.

[Acco 4x4]

Keep in mind that on a setup like an acco with a live axle front end, the caster and camber are built into the swivel hubs and generaly unadjustable. That said you can get esentric setups for some types of these front ends. A head shake at speed can be a result of insuficent caster. This can be caused by sagged front springs or raised rear end etc. Castor wedges are a simple solution for this fix. If the castor is correct, unless something is bent, your camber will be correct too. The other thing to keep in mind is pinion angle on the front diff in relation to the transfer case. All in all, my opinion would be to get yourselt to a wheel alignment center and find out what is going on. Have the alignment checked and corrected if needed. I would also recomend as John. K did to get yourself an on vehicle balance. A process of elimination.

[glbest]

going from past experience it should be set at negative camber 

all else fails take it a truck aligner the axle could be out and needs readjustment

[john.k]

Another thing that will cause steering problems is a partial seizure of one of the tracta joints.I remember a 4x4 Bedford with similar problems caused by a bent inner drive shaft on one side.Regards John.

[glbest]

there is a company near broad meadows that specializes in wheel alignments for trucks especially 4x4  because the at 3 base wksp / 31 sup bn used to do all the major rebuilts on the F1 and 2  southern logistics unit now