Hi All, I have a question which I would appreciate for people to comment on.

The question is: If you had the inner and outer Track rod arms replaced at the dealer, would you expect that the tracking automatically done as part as the job?

Yes unfortunately this happened to me, where apparently I was told verbally that I had declined any tracking, I replaced the tyres and not knowing and the near side tyre (inside edge) rubbed off.

I have spoken to some small independent garage's who said that the tracking is part of that particular job.

If I had known that it was not tracked I would have had it done straight after the work.

Just thought I would mention this in case it happens to anyone else.

I doubt it would be included.

What the skoda procedure will probably say is somehting like "make sure the new track rod end is fastened with the same number of turns and is the same overall length bla bla bla, and tracking will not be necessary".

Whether they have done that or not is a different matter..

I would (right or wrongly) expect it to be checked and if need be adjusted.

Would they also not balance a wheel after fitting new tyres, just because the wheel still had the old weights stuck on?? :wonder:

Its madness not to check & adjust the tracking after carrying out work like that to the steering,dealer should know better! i replaced the track rod ends & lower ball joints on my mates vivaro van at the weekend & even though i fitted the trackrod ends the same as the old one & the steering wheel was central i still told my pal to get the tracking checked asap.

I would have assumed that the tracking would have at least been checked after the work was carried out.

I think it's something that needs doing definitely, just not sure if it would be something that the skoda procedure would include.

We had a front wheel bearing replaced - I'm convinced the dealer didn't check the tracking afterwards, so I got it done at a tyre place. I was quite annoyed about this, not least because they didn't even bother to tell me it needed checking and adjusting - if I hadn't been knowledgable enough to know why it felt wrong and get the correct thing done, I would have incurred needless extra tyre wear.

Replacing a wheel bearing on it's own will not effect the tracking, the only things that effect it are suspension and steering (struts, springs, wishbones, bushes, steering rack, trackrod ends, etc)

Yes, if you're replacing rod ends (actually replacing them rather than taking an outer end off to replace a rack gaiter) then a tracking check is essential, and I'd expect it to be costed as part of the job.

Yes, if you're replacing rod ends (actually replacing them rather than taking an outer end off to replace a rack gaiter) then a tracking check is essential, and I'd expect it to be costed as part of the job.

Agree with Ken . Checking & adjusting the tracking is part of the job. If a garage down our way said tracking would be extra he would be lynched on the spot !

Myself and most members agree the tracking should have been part of the service they carried-out, and be charged the normal going tracking rate.

They could have pointed out it will be extra and would highly recommend that it is done at the time, for excessive wear on tyres could take place.

Replacing a wheel bearing on it's own will not effect the tracking, the only things that effect it are suspension and steering (struts, springs, wishbones, bushes, steering rack, trackrod ends, etc)

Front wheel bearings are a friction fit, so the hub has to be removed so it can be done on a press.

Edited 27 April, 201115 yr by AnotherGareth

Wheel bearings are a friction fit, so the hub has to be removed so it can be done on a press.

Fully aware of that as I have replaced enough.

But to remove the hub you are just splitting the ball joints, not removing anything that is adjustable.

But to remove the hub not removing anything that is adjustable, you are just splitting the ball joints.

Tell that to Hughes in Farnham Common. When I collected the car the steering wasn't centred and the steering felt wrong. Getting the tracking corrected sorted this out.

It's possible that they split the gaiter on the trackrod end (easy to do with a fork type splitter) so had to replace the end? although I would of thought if that was the case they would of billed you for it, explaining that it was found to have wear in it.