Adjusting camber and tracking on Mk3 golf

[robert1z]

The camber should be done first, the spec is -30 minutes. The tracking is parallel and must only be altered on the right hand track rod. If the left hand track rod is touched, it has to be removed to be reset. This is the same for left or right hand drive cars.

Why would it need to be removed to be reset? Can you not centralise the wheels and have the track rod ends equidistant?

Thanks

[Crasher]

It is difficult to measure the length accurately whilst it is connected to the rack and it is very easy to remove so…

[jet]

The camber should be done first, the spec is -30 minutes. The tracking is parallel and must only be altered on the right hand track rod. If the left hand track rod is touched, it has to be removed to be reset. This is the same for left or right hand drive cars.

Wow this is like groundhog day!
I think I have issues with the setup on the front of my car, but am too scared to jack it up and take a look. I get a sort of rubbing whirring noise that peaks at about 75-80 (on private roads). It's remained pretty consitant for the last couple of thousand miles though so I'm ignoring it. Maybe on the weekend....

[Manxmann]

The camber should be done first, the spec is -30 minutes. The tracking is parallel and must only be altered on the right hand track rod. If the left hand track rod is touched, it has to be removed to be reset. This is the same for left or right hand drive cars.

Eeeek! My 96 VR6 is going in for a new steering rack next Thrusday, hopefully curing the painful cracking sound when turning the wheel!

What do I need to tell the garage, they are a highly professional garage mostly specialising in MG/Rover cars so not sure if they are aware of this unusual VW requirement.

Cheers

Simon

[Crasher]

The camber for a VR6 is - 0° 40′ ± 20′ ( ′ = minutes so 40 minutes negative) and the tracking 0° or parallel. The extremely important detail is that the left track rod must be set to a specific measurement of 406-mm and then not altered once in the car, any adjustment being necessary is made on the right hand track rod end.

[Manxmann]

Perfect! thank you for you help.

[robert1z]

The camber for a VR6 is - 0° 40′ ± 20′ ( ′ = minutes so 40 minutes negative) and the tracking 0° or parallel. The extremely important detail is that the left track rod must be set to a specific measurement of 406-mm and then not altered once in the car, any adjustment being necessary is made on the right hand track rod end.

Crasher will this length be the same on the m3 tdi as i want make sure that mine is correct?
Muchas gracias

[Crasher]

Yes it is the same.

[robert1z]

Yes it is the same.

Thanks again. Good info.
I always assumed that cars were tracked with equalateral lenghts on each rod.
Are most cars the same when being tracked i.e one never moves under any circumstances?

[Crasher]

Golf 1, 2 and 3 are like this, all others are both sides where adjustable as far as I remember such as Golf 4>, Passat 3B>etc.