John,

  First,  park on a flat, level surface.  Jack up the front end and spin the
tires by hand to mark a centerline in chalk, then set it back down.
  Using a tape measure (and a helper if available), get a measurement on you
centerlines at the 3 o'clock position and the 9 o'clock position between the
two front wheels (fronts and backs of both tires).  Compare the readings,
then adjust the tie-rods on each side as necessary to center the steering
wheel and equalize the measurements.
  Once all that's ok,  adjust them once more to make the front lines about
1/16" shorter that the rear lines to set toe-in angle properly.  Note, this
is ballpark and may need to be redone professionally later, but it will get
you moving again.
  Next issue; camber, caster, all 4 wheels!

HTH,

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John C..." <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 7:40 AM
Subject: Re: front suspension problem

> Hi Mike,
> I just replaced all of the ball joints, tie rods, bushings & bearings etc.
> And, Wow are my tires pointed in funny directions !
> What do you do to get them close?
> thanks,
> John
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
>
>> They aren't so difficult that you can't do it yourself, either. I've
>> always done my own front end parts replacement. I can even do a decent
>> alignment at home, if necessary. Both the upper/ lower balljoints and the
>> a-arm bushings are relatively easy to do for the average DIY-er here.
>> While
>> the a-arm's off, take it to a welder for a couple of tacks on the
>> bushings
>> per Bentley instructions, if you can't do that part.
>> IIRC, all 4 parts can be replaced without requiring an alignment, but if
>> needed, it could be driven to be aligned, after all parts replacement
>> work
>> is done.
>>
>> Mike B.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Mike Collum"
>> To:
>> Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 11:32 PM
>> Subject: Re: front suspension problem
>>
>>
>> > Dan Barrett wrote:
>> >> Volks,
>> >> When the passenger's side front wheel of my bus is jacked up, I am
>> >> able to grasp the wheel and shake it vertically
>> >
>> > When you are moving the wheel vertically, observe the various joints in
>> > the suspension system like the upper and lower ball joints and the
>> > upper
>> > A frame. You should be able to see what has some play. Knowing where
>> > the problem is puts you well ahead in the game.
>> >
>> > Vanagon suspension systems aren't so weird that a competent front end
>> > mechanic can't do a good job. If in doubt, read your Bentley so you're
>> > knowledgeable enough to discuss the procedure with him/her.
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >