changing tie rods how?

[Ross]

apparently these need changing for me to get through mot had a look wihile i was under he car today and they look a nightmare to get to anyone got any tips for doin these? i only have jacks/axel stands to get it in the air.

[dangerous dave]

track rods can be a total a hole.. get the wheels off and the car on axle stands and try crack off the locking nuts.. if they dont move dont bother, there stuck and need heat..

if they do come off undo the 16mm nut (i think) and smash the cast of the hub that sleeves the track rods rod.. that should pop it free with a good few whack.. dont hit the threaded part as that just fecks it all up..

when the track rod pops free try remove it from the rack, stuck? you need a blow torch, put it back together, smashed that threaded bolt like i told you not too?? your propper fecked now..:p put back together and go to a garage...

if it comes off, measure the distance from the rack to the end of the rod, you'll never get it right but it'll get you to the local tyre shop for a track.. wind the old out, wind the new in..

:)

[Ross]

Cheers what about the tie rod that goes to the steering rack that the track rod end screws into its apparently the call joint on that that's got the play in it job for a garage?

[dangerous dave]

Cheers what about the tie rod that goes to the steering rack that the track rod end screws into its apparently the call joint on that that's got the play in it job for a garage?

if its not the track rods i'd just get another rack, new or refurbed and swap it over, no point messing about.. you can get it done in a few hours that way, other wise it could draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag..

[Ross]

Dam what a pain I'm gonna get a second opinion on it from another garage as I have a wheel bearing gone with a tiny bit of play in it so maybe that's what they can feel as I can't feel any play in it. Such k nightmare.

[Tony Walker]

rack ends are a much cheaper option, and if its play in the ends not in the rack then thats what i would replace. remove the track rod end, remove the clips securing the gaiter slide the gaiters off,turn your rack all the way over so its giving u as much access as possible, get your stilson on the rack end and undo it, it will be a conventional thread, not that difficult. just make sure u locktite the new ones on nice and tight.

[Ross]

thanks tony that doesnt sound to bad when you say it like that will give it a good bash this wkend!

[Tony Walker]

if your replacing both sides, then try to make sure you get exactly the same amount of turns on the track rod end each side so your wheel is central, try have a quick read of some basic methods of setting your tracking up, i can usually get everycar i do to within 10-20 minutes of parrallel (without gauges, i then check and adjust with gauges). if you have all 4 wheels off the ground then look down the discs at the front, making sure your steering wheel is perfectly central. if you try and look left and right of the disc to a central point on the rear tyre u should be able to see the left face and right face of the front disc at an equal point on the rear tyre. u should be able to see what i mean when you try it. But i would recommend gettin it checked somewhere with tracking gauges, should only cost£20ish, espeacially as everything will be new and free.