Centering the axle?
#1
Centering the axle?
This may sound like a retarded newb question, but how do I go about it? I will be installing my adjustable PHB this weekend, its on-car adjustable so I figured I would just put it on a roll-on lift and do it, but will ti hurt anything to crank on the adjuster with the cars weight on the suspension? Should I lift up the back?
Just not quite sure how to go about it. I know the rear is off by a lot, my pass side tire is about 1.5" into the fender and the drivers side tire is flush with it in the back.
Just not quite sure how to go about it. I know the rear is off by a lot, my pass side tire is about 1.5" into the fender and the drivers side tire is flush with it in the back.
#2
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If you do it with the axle unloaded, you'll probably have to go up and down a couple times to get it in the right place, since the axle will swing to the side a little when it's loaded. I'm pretty sure the on-car adjustables are designed to be adjusted with the vehicle on the ground, parked normally.
#4
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Do it with the suspension loaded. I put my rear axle on jackstands and adjusted it. The body will shift to the correct position as you adjust. Make sure to block the front wheels.
Drop a plumb line or use a straight edge and compare a body and axle point of reference on each side until its centered.
Drop a plumb line or use a straight edge and compare a body and axle point of reference on each side until its centered.
#7
If you do it with the axle unloaded, you'll probably have to go up and down a couple times to get it in the right place, since the axle will swing to the side a little when it's loaded. I'm pretty sure the on-car adjustables are designed to be adjusted with the vehicle on the ground, parked normally.
I would suggest jacking the car up to adjust the pan-hard bar. Then place back on the ground to check your measurements. If you adjust the pan hard bar while the suspension is loaded there is going to be more resistance due to the tires and control arm bushings. And like mentioned above a plumb bob is one of the best form of measurements to center the rear wheels. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Thanks
Brad
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#8
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A plumb bob is definitely the easiest but you can use a level and a tape measure just as easily. Set a level on the ground and rest it up against the wheelwell. Center the bubble then measure from the level to the wheel. Compare sides and adjust accordingly.
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/INSTALL/F-BODY_PHR.pdf
#10
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The nature of a panhard rod will almost always show inconsistent measurements if there is any bind in the suspension (which almost all cars have to a degree) or the vehicle is not on level pavement when measuring. You can adjust it, measure it then drive up the road and back and get a slightly different measurement. On a car equipped with a PHR, the height of the car dictates the rear end position because those two variables are tied together. Can it be adjusted with the rear hanging? Absolutely, it just takes a lot more time jacking the car up and down until you get it right. Even then the car must be driven to allow the suspension to settle before taking your final measurement. This is why we always recommend to adjust the PHR with the car at rest, suspension loaded, on level pavement.
#11
Thanks for all the suggestions. Like I said before, this will be performed on a level roll-on lift. I can lift the rear of the car up with no issue on there so I guess I will try it with it loaded and if it seems like the tires are giving it too much resistance and it doesn't want to move, I will lift it up after that.