Rough adjustment/alignment of trailing arm ?

[Westie82]

Hi All,

Just changed out my trailing arm, can any one tell me how to carry out basic adjustment so I can drive it down to get it properly aligned?

Should I lower it down on to the deck and then tighten the bolts ? or should I tighten the trailing arm bolts when it is still on axle stands ?

Thanks in advance

Mark

[colinthefox]

If you only want to drive it a few miles at low speed, just check that the rear wheels are pointing straight towards the front wheels using a piece of string.

Set the front wheels straight ahead. Get an assistant to hold one end of the string against the rear of the rear tyre sidewall, then hold the other end of the string at the front of the vehicle, and slowly move it in until your assistant tells you that it is just touching the front of the rear tyre sidewall. At this point the string should be near enough just touching the outside of the front wheel sidewall, and if it is the wheel will be pointing straight ahead. Then compare it with the other side. Adjust by levering with a stout metal rod inserted in the thoughtfully provided holes near the inner bush with one hand, then with your other two hands hold the bolt and tighten the nut, while watching your piece of string which you can't see any more!

No need to worry about the camber setting if only driving a few miles.

Do up the bolts with the wheels on the ground, not on a jack.

If you are getting the rear alignment checked, they may want to adjust the other wheel too, so make sure the bolts will release the adjustment that side when you undo the nuts. (In other words make sure they are not rusted solid in the bush).