steering cross rod

[oxford]

Hi everyone
I have a question about the steering cross rod on my BN4. I replaced the old one with a new one from AH Spares. The old one had bee cut and welded for some reason. However, I am concerned that the new one is too long. I haven't driven the car yet but it seems that with the two end nuts wound in the the maximum the wheels appear to be tracking straight. I am concerned that there will not be any adjustment for toe in when the time comes. My measurements may not be accurate of course. Can anyone give me the length on the cross rod from ball joint to ball joint please? Also, are there any differences in length between models?
Thanks
Matthew

 

[Keoke]

I haven't driven the car yeT:

Drive if first then if problems:
check it with an accurate toe in guage.
IF: it is out an can not be adjusted there may be some undetected damage in
the car.

 

[TimK]

The car needs to be on the ground and rolled forward before checking the toe. Measure the distance between the rear of both tires and the front of both tires. Factory manual says 1/8" toe-in. Others say 0.

 

[glemon]

"Appears to be tracking straight" When I put a new cross rod on my "eyeball" set up of the toe in was way off, agree with Keoke, drive it or check it with some sort of more accurate toe in guage before assuming problems.

 

[oxford]

Thanks everyone. I'm probably jumping the gun here. I tend to worry unnecessarily sometimes. I have only just put the engine back in so it's a couple of years away from driving yet. I have checked everything I can as far as measurements go and it all appears straight, but who knows.
Matthew

 

[Keoke]

. I'm probably jumping the gun here. I tend to worry unnecessarily sometimes. I have only just put the engine back in so it's a couple of years away from driving :---WOTT !!!-----:congratulatory:

 

[oxford]

Be kind Keoke
this is a complete nut and bolt restoration. I started last March and all the chassis and running gear is done. I still have the body work trim etc to go. Not enough hours in the week. Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqMUpBA7x68

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM9ofYaxgDs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u1JFnqOmfc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rGWRvlgWPM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfQEjHNWLzk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qUYlcROGDk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0GIc9HI3QI

 

[Keoke]

Be kind Keoke

AH i was just pulling your chain a bit you are good to know--Keoke

 

[glemon]

Impressive work on the restoration, if you can handle the rust repair work you did, you can figure out the cross rod, good luck, Greg

 

[57_BN4]

Yea, that is normal to find the cross rod is at it's min length if trying to get the wheels straight with the car up in the air.

When you are ready, an accurate wheel alignment can be done with two bits of wood and a tape measure

Andy.

 

[oxford]

Thanks for the positives everyone. I'll worry when I drive.eaceful:

 

[Hawkscoach]

Did you replace the tie rods? I ask because I just ran into this. full restoration and I was not able to get the front suspension/steering linkages to "visually" line up. I had purchased, and unfortunately already painted, new tie rods from Moss. After trying to "force" the tie rods into the cross member (because it was so close) I finally dug out the old TR's and compared them. They were a bit smaller and the thread area length was just slightly longer. When I mocked it up with the originals...............guess what, it all aligned nicely. I somehow purchased the wrong ones from Moss or they sent the wrong ones. So, now I need to find the correct ones. just another quirky detail and I should have checked it out and not assumed anything..........................hope this helps. Doug

 

[oxford]

Hi Doug
good thought! No, I kept the original tie rods, just replaced the rubber. I measured to make sure they are the same length also: about 1 foot I believe.
Matthew

 

[BoyRacer]

The cross rod length should be approximately 19 - 11/16 " long