* Poor handling: The vehicle will pull to one side, wander, or be difficult to control.
* Uneven tire wear: Premature tire wear will result, costing you money.
* Accident: Severe misalignment can lead to loss of control and accidents.
Instead of attempting this yourself, take your Windstar to a qualified mechanic or tire shop. They have the proper equipment (like a toe alignment machine) and expertise to adjust the tie rods correctly and safely.
That said, if you're *extremely* mechanically inclined and understand the risks, here's a *general* overview – *do not attempt this without extensive experience and the proper tools*:
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake firmly, chock the wheels, and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the Tie Rods: The tie rods connect the steering rack to the steering knuckles.
3. Measure Existing Toe: Before making any adjustments, you need to measure the existing toe angle. This typically requires a toe alignment gauge or measuring tape and precise calculations (this is where professional equipment comes in).
4. Loosen the Jam Nut: Use a wrench to loosen the jam nut on the tie rod end. This nut secures the adjustment sleeve.
5. Adjust the Tie Rod: Use a tie rod adjuster tool (often a special wrench) to turn the tie rod sleeve. Turning it one way will shorten the tie rod, and the other way will lengthen it. Small adjustments are crucial.
6. Tighten the Jam Nut: Once the desired adjustment is made, tighten the jam nut securely.
7. Repeat on the Other Side: Repeat steps 4-6 on the other tie rod to achieve the correct toe angle.
8. Professional Alignment: Even after adjusting the tie rods, you must take the vehicle to a professional for a full wheel alignment. This ensures all the suspension angles are correctly set. Adjusting tie rods only addresses toe; camber and caster require different adjustments and specialized equipment.
In short: Don't do this yourself unless you're a seasoned mechanic. The risks far outweigh the potential savings. A professional alignment is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of a repair or accident resulting from incorrect adjustment.
