Zorro587 · Dec 17, 2015

Hi all, following an MoT failure, I'm having to replace the drag link on my '96 4.0.

I've had a look in RAVE and have a couple of questions:

After I've installed the new drag link, should I get the wheels aligned first and then adjust the link?

If I have the alignment done first and then adjust the link, will it affect the alignment at all?

domino · Dec 17, 2015

You need to install the new one and then get the wheels aligned as adjustment is part of the drag link.

I did it 2 weeks ago.

discool · Dec 17, 2015

The drag link has no bearing on wheel alignment, although if fitted incorrectly your steering wheel may be slightly offset.
If it was your track rod that was being replaced it could affect wheel alignment as that is where the adjustment is.

Bladerunner919 · Dec 17, 2015

discool said:
The drag link has no bearing on wheel alignment, although if fitted incorrectly your steering wheel may be slightly offset.
If it was your track rod that was being replaced it could affect wheel alignment as that is where the adjustment is.

Absoultely - the alignment is a function of the track rod between the wheels, not the drag link. Just adjust it until the steering wheel is straight when drivng, and that's job done.

wammers · Dec 17, 2015

On a flat surface drive the car forwards with hands off the steering wheel at least two car lengths to allow the steering to self centre. Then adjust length of drag link until steering wheel is centralised.

wil2813 · Dec 17, 2015

personally id put it on the 4 poster, clamp the wheel & throw a set of lasers round it 10 min job tops, not disagreeing with any of the above posts but tbh new tyres are expensive & would personally recommend having alignment checked after changing any suspension or steering component.

wammers · Dec 17, 2015

wil2813 said:
personally id put it on the 4 poster, clamp the wheel & throw a set of lasers round it 10 min job tops, not disagreeing with any of the above posts but tbh new tyres are expensive & would personally recommend having alignment checked after changing any suspension or steering component.

Drag link has nothing to do with wheel alignment. Bit of overkill that.

wil2813 · Dec 18, 2015

wammers said:
Drag link has nothing to do with wheel alignment. Bit of overkill that.

I agree as said

but imo always best to check alignment as anything else is just a guess(inc steering wheel central positioning) most places do a free check & you are not obliged to have the/any work carried out

stevef1964 · Dec 18, 2015

Guys, I have an advisory on my drag link, but my thinking is I might as well change the link and rod in one hit.

Any reason why I can't take the complete link and rod off in one piece, adjust the replacement to the same length of the old one and fit the new one?

I was looking to keep the wheels as straight as possible, ensuring they cant move, which will keep the steering centralized.

wammers · Dec 18, 2015

stevef1964 said:
Guys, I have an advisory on my drag link, but my thinking is I might as well change the link and rod in one hit.

Any reason why I can't take the complete link and rod off in one piece, adjust the replacement to the same length of the old one and fit the new one?

I was looking to keep the wheels as straight as possible, ensuring they cant move, which will keep the steering centralized.

Not at all way to do it for initial setting. Loose joint will more than likely be wheel end of drag link. But before you adjust it strip it and put some copper grease on threads. Makes life easier if you ever have to adjust it again. Follow the instructions i posted earlier for fine adjustment.

wil2813 · Dec 18, 2015

wammers said:
Not at all way to do it for initial setting. Loose joint will more than likely be wheel end of drag link. But before you adjust it strip it and put some copper grease on threads. Makes life easier if you ever have to adjust it again. Follow the instructions i posted earlier for fine adjustment.

+1 ^^^^

Zorro587

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domino

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discool

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Bladerunner919

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wammers

No longer with us, RIP

wil2813

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wammers

No longer with us, RIP

wil2813

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stevef1964

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wammers

No longer with us, RIP

wil2813

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