Re: [Amc-list] Replacing strut-rod bushing

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Sat, 2007-06-02 at 09:41 -0500, Armand Eshleman wrote:
> Joe,
> Not to be nit picky here but don't you mean caster?
> I believe that the strut rods maintain the correct caster. Maybe some
> toe might be an added effect, but the tie rods usually control toe in or
> out.

They are not a means to ADJUST toe, but they have a huge effect on it.
When the strut bushings collapse with age, the outer end of the lower
arm moves towards the rear of the car, in an arc. As the wheel moves
back, the outer tie rod end does too, pulling the front of the tire
inward (toe-in) on that side. If both struts wear evenly, and slowly,
it's not a big deal (alignment fixes it). With today's crap parts, often
one side wears fast, as you drive to turn the wheel to one side to
compensate for the increased toe on left or right, and alignment is now
assymetrical.

After installing new parts, you adjust caster, then camber,
(check/adjust both iteratively) then set toe.

Rigid strut bushings are drop-dead critical to stable AMC front end
alignment, I think more than any other single part. Even badly worn ball
joints sit in their socket most of the time.


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