Advice please

[BushBuster]

I bought my 2nd gen Surf 3 weeks ago and all appeared OK. I noticed the other day that the tyres are wearing slightly unevenly so went to Kwik Fit to get the tracking checked. They set-up the 4 wheel laser stuff and away the guy went with his spanners. He came back with 2 comments:

1 He couldn't adjust the tracking as it needs to be done from the steering box
&
2 the chassis has been welded and painted by the front strut

I have an appointment with a local 4x4 specialist test center to get the tracking sorted on Friday, but before I do, should I be concerned with the welded chassis?

Have I been sold a pup and/or is someone taking the pi$$. Any advice guidance will be appreciated as there appears a lack of knowledgeable people in Peterborough. Thanks

[Slugsie]

Can't comment on the welding bit, maybe if you could post a pic of the area someone may be able to offer an opinion.

As for the alignment, I don't think there is anything you can do with the steering. The toe-in/out is adjusted using the track rod ends. The only adjustment you'd normally do on the steering (as far as I know) is if the system is set up off-centred - i.e. someone has put a new steering wheel in mis-aligned, and then centred it up by adjusting the tracking. But that wouldn't involve the steering box.

But I could be wrong.

[BUSHWHACKER]

Wheel alignment is adjusted via this part...
http://www.roughtrax4x4.com/?doc=16&cid=142&vid=1043




Also, have a look at my 'DIY Wheel alignment' thread.

[charvell]

I bought my 2nd gen Surf 3 weeks ago and all appeared OK. I noticed the other day that the tyres are wearing slightly unevenly so went to Kwik Fit to get the tracking checked. They set-up the 4 wheel laser stuff and away the guy went with his spanners. He came back with 2 comments:

1 He couldn't adjust the tracking as it needs to be done from the steering box
&
2 the chassis has been welded and painted by the front strut

I have an appointment with a local 4x4 specialist test center to get the tracking sorted on Friday, but before I do, should I be concerned with the welded chassis?

Have I been sold a pup and/or is someone taking the pi$$. Any advice guidance will be appreciated as there appears a lack of knowledgeable people in Peterborough. Thanks

have you had the car MOT ed? if so then the tester must have been happy with so called welded bit. Takeit back and ask hime to show you

[BushBuster]

Thanks guys, the pointers are what I needed. It came with a test cert but that really doesn't mean a lot. ;-)

Where I'm taking it on Friday is a local test center so I'll get them to check it out, but I feel a bit happier now and hopefully more later in the week.

I appreciate your comments, thanks.