Replacing track rod ends

[R1cho]

O.K whats the best way to change these track rod ends? because it looks to me like i am going to have to count how many turns it takes to get them out so i can put the new ones in the same ammount of turns, is this the case?

 

[paulp]

track rod ends

that is the best way.
but check the track rod ends you have brought are of a similar dimension as those that you are taking off.

paulp

 

[terranobreakershropshire]

you got it! count turns save urself a tracking cost. plenty of wire brush and wd40 before removing! good luck!

 

[solarman216]

the way I do it is lock the steering on full lock for the end you want to replace, jack up under the wish bone and remove the wheel, undo the nut securing the taper, and using a ball joint splitter, crack the joint, do not move the hub at all and unscrew the ball joint from the shaft, it may well be very tight/corroded, you may need heat, fit the new ball joint and screw it in progressively until it drops straight into the steering arm on the hub without it moving the hub, if the hub has moved during this operation then you will have to get it tracked, do the same for the other side, you could still be a little out on your tracking as it is not a perfect method but at least the adjustments will be small if you need to get it tracked, the number of turns assumes that all manufacturers make the threaded section exactly the same length, some hope, Rick

 

[R1cho]

thanks for the advice guys, looks like i'll be buying a balljoint splitter when i pick up the new rod ends tomorrow

 

[briggie]

a balljoint splitter sounds painfull :augie

 

[R1cho]

i suppose it depends what you're into :naughty

 

[kitchenman]

I have always used a lever & a lump hammer

 

[R1cho]

I have always used a lever & a lump hammer

that would mean my wallet would stay a touch fatter, however i try to do all my own repairs and have never done this before so i think i will purchase the appropriate tools

 

[zippy656]

go slow and carful..


after all if still not sure just get it checked.. to put your mind at rest..

 

[R1cho]

go slow and carful..


after all if still not sure just get it checked.. to put your mind at rest..

i'll try and remember to take pics for ya zippy :thumbs :lol

 

[zippy656]

and i was just going to ask about them

 

[R1cho]

well this aint workin, been doin it all fookin day and got one off so far, the outer just doesn't seem to want to move, i've tried heat, wd40, tried shocking it free, then tried heat again, then the inner one came undone so now the rod is off the chassis so now have no leveridge and have the outer stuck in the center screw bolt thingy, to say i'm pi$$ed off is an understatement

 

[Deleted account DD]

To keep the position/number of threads on the threaded arm when youre removing, tie a bit of wire around the thread up against the edge of the old tr rod end. Twist it well tight (wire locking style) and it will sit in the thread.

Compared to tape or paint its a more defined edge and its more resistant to reasonable heat and movement.

Plus when you screw the new one on you meet a point of resistance when you come up against the wire. So if the new track rod end is same brand or size youll be in the right area adjustment wise :thumb2:thumb2

Very old and very effective trick that can be used on any threaded rod or fitting

 

[R1cho]

well had my little rant then went back out and tried again, managed to undo it this time by useing the wheel brace as a clamp to hold the centre piece and sinking the brace into the ground was very effective as now had the leverage i needed to undo the locking nut and the centre piece off the old rod end, put new ones on in the manner Rick suggested and all fit nice, before removing the old ones i also measured the distance between the the tew bolts (13.5") and then remeasured when the new ones were in place (13.5" ) new ones al nicely fit into place and tightened on, now i can do the otherside tomorrow now i know what i'm up against it will hopefully go smoother and quicker, will perhaps take photos of tomorrows efforts and do a small write up and see if it can be put in the downloads section.

 

[GoodOldBakes]

Took mine in today for a couple of new front tyres ahead of next week's MOT. I wanted it tracking as the previous tyres had worn abnormally and it pulls to the left. However, the mechanic couldn't get the track rod ends to budge, either by hitting or with heat, so he suggested I buy a new pair and then he'll fit them and track it.

Having looked, I can see there are R/H inner, R/H outer, L/H inner..etc..etc. What should I get - inners or outers and what is the difference?

Cheers.

 

[R1cho]

you can get complete kit from milners, odds are both outer and inner will need doing http://www.milneroffroad.com/categories.asp?cid=12238

 

[GoodOldBakes]

Thanks Steve. So two kits, yes? One for each side, L & R?

 

[R1cho]

Thanks Steve. So two kits, yes? One for each side, L & R?

yea, this way you can just undo the old ones at the bolts (or angle grind them) depending on how stuck they are, measure the new peices against them so you have roughly the correct length the put new ones on, will be alot easier than the way i did it which was just replacing the rod ends and keeping the old centre bar and lock nuts :doh