2003 Chevrolet Cavalier Alignment after Tie Rod Replacement

SKIFASTEST

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
2.2L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I hit a curb with my left front tire, but missed hitting a car backing out of a driveway.

I had a local guy change the hub assembly and tie rod end. He was not carefully measuring the replacement tie rod, counting turns, etc. The car now pulls to the right. It was aligned before and I am sure it is just the tie rod being too long or short. If possible, I would like to avoid the cost of an alignment.

Can I just keep shorting/lengthening the replaced tie rod until it isn't pulling? If yes, do I lengthen or shorten it in response to pulling to the right? Anyway to estimate the necessary adjustment?

Thanks

1 Reply

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

This isn't very scientific.

On a cement drive, Measure from the center of vehicle, at the rear, out on both sides rear, make a mark. Do the same thing, both sides at the front, from center of front, make a mark. Draw a tight string from the rear to the front. Use something heavy to anchor the strings, try to place string about center line of tires/verticle. Measure from rear of front tire to the string then measure from the front of tire to the string, measure both sides, that should give you the toe measurement.

Certainly it would be best to take it to an alignment shop. I can't be sure what is causing the pull?