tracking checked and it was off, shock leg and hub was slightly bent

Today had my tracking checked and said it was off, the tracking guy checked the suspension components all was fine ball joints etc but the only issue spotted was the passenger side shock leg and hub was slightly bent but was not a big issue. I went ahead with the tracking adjustment and its much better and straight than before but i have noticed that when the steering wheel is in a horizontal position, the wheels are not straight by a fraction. So i have to move it slightly right to get a straight wheel. What does he mean by the shock leg and hub?

Jjb0800 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 6:53 pm I went ahead with the tracking adjustment and its much better and straight than before but i have noticed that when the steering wheel is in a horizontal position, the wheels are not straight by a fraction. So i have to move it slightly right to get a straight wheel.

The tracking is still out, not toe-in or toe-out, but 'not aligned with the steering wheel'.

So both track rod ends need the same amount of adjustment in the same direction to set the steering straight,

Jjb0800 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 24, 2021 6:53 pm What does he mean by the shock leg and hub?

the shock 'leg' is the damper and on the bottom of the damper is the hub. Quite how they can be bent is something I don't know, but a picture or two may help explain where the suspension leg is and where the hub is.


Leg:




Hub attached to the leg

That helps a lot thanks, what would the the best option should i just get the tie rods adjusted or replace the shock leg and hub?

If i replace the shock absorber wouldnt that be the same thing?

Jjb0800 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 3:25 am That helps a lot thanks, what would the the best option should i just get the tie rods adjusted or replace the shock leg and hub?

I would get the tracking sorted with 'straight ahead steering wheel' done, if that bothers you. It is more important to get that right on cars with ESP, but that came on later cars.


Changing the springs and dampers (the leg) on both sides at the same time usually gets done when either a spring fail (snaps) or the MOT test spots a warn damper/strut. But the damper will only work well up to 60k miles depending on the sort of roads you drive. It may pay to do both fronts if they are due for a change, They should be done in pairs to keep the front suspension balanced.

Not knowing exactly what the mechanic was talking about and they didn't seem too worried about it, maybe you can leave that.

Are your tyres wearing evenly?

Or are they worn due to the tracking?

My car had an mot and did not come up as an advisory for any shocks which is surprising as the tracking guy who is not a mechanic said that they were slight bent. I told him the mot tester did not flag it up and he said they sont because they can't see it lol. I might just go to another tracking place and see if they can align the steering once again

Where can i buy a shock leg?

Jjb0800 wrote: ↑Tue May 25, 2021 2:26 am Where can i buy a shock leg?

here, enter your reg to get the right one.

Arfur Dent wrote: ↑Wed May 26, 2021 5:23 pm

Jjb0800 wrote: ↑Tue May 25, 2021 2:26 am Where can i buy a shock leg?

here, enter your reg to get the right one.

Change them in pairs as they affect braking and suspension.

Also consider doing the springs and possibly the top mounts at the same time. As they all come off when the suspension leg/damper is removed it makes sense to replace the parts that wear too. (Spring break and top mounts wear).