Track rod installation

denny71gt · 10-10-2007

I cannot reconnect the track rod on the driver (axle) side. It is partially on (probably only on by the grommet) the connecting post but seems to be twisted slightly. Have loosened the other end, but can't get enough play in it to align it. The car is on jack stands supported at the jacking points. Is there some geometry i.e. like lifting the left end of the axle (tried this) to align it?

Denny

namba209 · 10-10-2007

I'm not home right now, so I can't refer to my books, but I do believe there was something about having the car with all 4 wheels on the ground and 125 lbs. in the driver's seat. If the bushing is over the threads, then possibly a rubber mallet skillfully applied will assist in getting the "Panhard" rod on the rest of the way. HTH.

GTJIM · 10-10-2007

From the FSM:

The Panhard Rod

"When refitting the panhard rod, the rear springs must be compressed by placing a load of approximately 350 lbs in the luggage compartment before tightening the attaching bolts to a torque of 24 lb-ft (3.3 kg-m)."

Control Arms

"The rear springs must be compressed by placing a load of approximately 350 lbs in the luggage compartment before tightening the control arm fixing bolts to a torque of 18 lbs-ft (2.5 kg-m)."

Make very sure that the Panhard rod is straight and not bowed either fore & aft or up & down - P.O.s seem to regard it as a convenient place to attach tiedowns or tow ropes ... with predictable damage !!

The Panhard rod goes cross the car behind the diff - one end attached to the diff housing and the other to the body. The Control rods are one each side of the car and go forward from the front of the spring purches and attach to the body.

jeff denton · 10-10-2007

It can be a little tough all right. We have to make an adjustment to it often at the the track, and don't have time to fight it. We do it with the car's weight on the springs, with blocks under the spring buckets, see how that kind of puts a twist on the axle? Also a come-along between a spring bucket and the frame will help pull things into alignment sideways, it doesn't take much.

denny71gt · 10-10-2007

Thank you for the replies.

The FSM was unclear (at least to me) whether or not the vehicle should be on or off the jacks. I'll try it off the jacks with someone in the driver's seat.

Denny

10-10-2007	#1 (permalink)
denny71gt Opeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: provo,utah Posts: 45	Unanswered: Track rod installation I cannot reconnect the track rod on the driver (axle) side. It is partially on (probably only on by the grommet) the connecting post but seems to be twisted slightly. Have loosened the other end, but can't get enough play in it to align it. The car is on jack stands supported at the jacking points. Is there some geometry i.e. like lifting the left end of the axle (tried this) to align it? Denny

10-10-2007	#2 (permalink)
namba209 6,000 Post Club Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Imperial Beach, CA South of San Diego Posts: 6,054 Provided Answers: 6	I'm not home right now, so I can't refer to my books, but I do believe there was something about having the car with all 4 wheels on the ground and 125 lbs. in the driver's seat. If the bushing is over the threads, then possibly a rubber mallet skillfully applied will assist in getting the "Panhard" rod on the rest of the way. HTH. __________________ Ron 72 GT 3.4L V-6/T-5/ZF posi - almost done - Just need AC installed. 75 Chevy monza 5.7L/TH350/Auburn 3.08 posi - Next

10-10-2007	#3 (permalink)
GTJIM Old Opeler Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Zealand Posts: 5,686 Provided Answers: 12	Panhard Rod Refit From the FSM: The Panhard Rod "When refitting the panhard rod, the rear springs must be compressed by placing a load of approximately 350 lbs in the luggage compartment before tightening the attaching bolts to a torque of 24 lb-ft (3.3 kg-m)." Control Arms "The rear springs must be compressed by placing a load of approximately 350 lbs in the luggage compartment before tightening the control arm fixing bolts to a torque of 18 lbs-ft (2.5 kg-m)." Make very sure that the Panhard rod is straight and not bowed either fore & aft or up & down - P.O.s seem to regard it as a convenient place to attach tiedowns or tow ropes ... with predictable damage !! The Panhard rod goes cross the car behind the diff - one end attached to the diff housing and the other to the body. The Control rods are one each side of the car and go forward from the front of the spring purches and attach to the body. __________________ GTJim Opel Owner since last Century! Copyright © 2000-2009 J D Henry All Rights Reserved Last edited by GTJIM; 10-10-2007 at 09:55 AM.

10-10-2007	#4 (permalink)
jeff denton former opel racer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: near some glaciers Posts: 2,863 Real Name: Jeff "Oh-Oh" Denton Provided Answers: 4	It can be a little tough all right. We have to make an adjustment to it often at the the track, and don't have time to fight it. We do it with the car's weight on the springs, with blocks under the spring buckets, see how that kind of puts a twist on the axle? Also a come-along between a spring bucket and the frame will help pull things into alignment sideways, it doesn't take much. __________________ No Opels were harmed in the filming of this movie. However two Mustangs, a Pinto, and a Capri were hospitalized. One Mustang was euthanized the next morning.

10-10-2007	#5 (permalink)
denny71gt Opeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: provo,utah Posts: 45	Thanks Thank you for the replies. The FSM was unclear (at least to me) whether or not the vehicle should be on or off the jacks. I'll try it off the jacks with someone in the driver's seat. Denny

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