Tracking and camber adjustment

[scarr89]

So just replaced all new front end suspensions parts (wishbones, track rod end, strut and driveshaft, both sides) and will need to get it tracked.

But, my questions is, is it simply the adjustment on the trackrod end that has any affect on the entire tracking. I guess it does the toe in/out, but the three bolts that hold the bottom ball joint on are somewhat adjustable, right?

I mean when you take it off and put it back on you can put it anywhere withing a good 10mm I reckon...

Ta 

[rockmonkey69]

10mm is a massive change to the toe, it would not drive as it should. There is next to no adjustment in the three lower ball joint bolts, the lcr/tt/s3 control arms are slotted and allow some adjustment there, but not the gti and lower models.

[scarr89]

Is there no adjustment? I thought there was a little bit of play, perhaps not 10mm 

But enough to make a difference, would this be something that a garage would adjust during them setting up the tracking? I am taking it to a place tomorrow which sets it all up with the lasers (forget the name of the machine). Otherwise it's just the track rod end which is only adjustable part of the suspension? Right?

[rockmonkey69]

Yes the only part that is actually adjustable is the track rod end, there isn't any real adjustment in the lower ball joint on the gti variant. There are various parts which have a little play here and there, such as the subframe which can be loosened off and knocked about a little, but to say it's adjustable is a bit much.

[gm8]

there is definitely adjustment on the lower ball joint on the GTi. Not much but its there.

[rockmonkey69]

Very small, just for reference, this is a picture of a wishbone from a gti and other variants of the mk4:


And what I run on mine:

Wishbone holes are slotted to allow for adjustment.

[Wazzzer]

My TT wishbones are adjustable, but only enough to counteract the camber you get from lowering

[rockmonkey69]

Yea lcr/s3/TT wishbones are also slotted and allow some adjustment. The lcr/s3/TT wishbones are also slightly lighter than the gti wishbone

[scarr89]

I guess I only really thought about when changing the whole setup the otehr day.

Glad we got this well and truly sorted.