Land Rover discovery 2 tracking

[dryan]

My 2003 discovery failed its test due to the drag link bal joint being worn. Fail sheet said it needed replacing and a wheel alignment must be done after repair.

My mechanic is a chain smoking old fashioned chap who doesn’t have a wheel alignment setup, I can use an independent tyre place to do it instead, however he advised me that the alignment can’t have changed as he only touched the drag link not the rear (of front axle) link.

Before I go to a tyre place (who probably don’t know landrover) does anyone support this view point.

 

[Dunwaters]

Anytime you change a component in the steering having the tracking checked is a good idea. You should have it checked annually anyway, tracking regularly gets whacked out of alignment and it’ll cost you in premature tyre wear if you don’t address it. I used to get mine done at the local tyre centre, you need a 4 wheel drive rig ( I think).
Its not too expensive.

 

[Skietindiekop]

Your mechanic is correct as the drag link length only affects the steering wheel position. The tie bar adjusts the tracking and will be exactly the same as before.