Steering alignment after rack change

January 03, 2026, 03:17:22 PM

Hi all,

I have a mk2 gti that was originally a 8v but now has an ABF. Its been garaged a good while but recently found inspiration to work on it again.

I have fitted new 16v hubs to allow 280mm brakes. Subsequently also had the subframe off, new steering rack (non PAS), complete new track rods, new wishbones, all new bushes etc. Issue is now I can't for the life of me get it close to alignment.

Followed guides and set the rack central using verniers at 70.5mm. Then the rod length to 410mm. All back in and bolted up, its country mile off aligning. Just looks like the rods aren't long enough, approx 40mm too short in total, so not a small amount. All the parts were purchased and originally fitted around 10 years ago now, something could be wrong but unsure what. Could it be Hubs? Do they differ much? These have boltable calliper carriers and fit the upgraded callipers.

Does anyone know approx total length from track rod end to end?

Re: Steering alignment after rack change

Reply #1 – January 05, 2026, 06:50:00 AM

Did you fit the ABF?

It's quite common for people doing engine swaps for mk3 engines to go for a widetrack setup.
This is where you swap the arms, track rods and (sometimes) uprights from the mk3 unit and get a wider track.
If you have put mk2 items on a widetrack setup, this will give you these symptoms.