Track rod end removal

[simon291971449]

Hi

Some (basic) advice needed! Trying to remove the track rod ends, but they are pretty solidly stuck on. How would I go about removing the actual track rods from the rack, as I was thinking this would make the job easier? Do they disconnect within the gaiter? What secures the gaiter at its inside end? (I have removed the plastic clip at the outside end).

Also, I have counted the threads still visible with the track rod ends in their present position. Would threading the new ones up to that point ensure the geometry was maintained?

Advice appreciated!

Simon

[davidr]

Hi Simon - have you tried releasing fluid? If that doesn't do it then a bit of heat will probably get them moving. Trying to dismantle the rack isn't recommended.
If you really can't move it then I would say take the whole rack out so you can use a vice to get more purchase on it.

[ptjs1]

Simon,

I'm guessing you've tried:

- A proper scissor-type ball-joint splitter where you tighten the bolt to exert pressure to force the split
- a cheaper wedge-type splitter
- loosening the BJ nut and then whacking the arm on each side simultaneously with two heavy hammers to shock the split

If you've done all those, then maybe resort to heat as David suggests (and try the dual hammer method.

Good luck

Paul

[davidr]

Simon - are you having trouble unscrewing the track rod ends off the rack or releasing the ball joint tapers? Or maybe both!

[simon291971449]

Hi, and thanks for your replies. Having trouble unscrewing them off the rack.

[davidr]

So I'm assuming that you have managed to break the tapers and separate the ball joints from the steering arms? Is the nut that locks the track rod end moving or us that what you're having trouble with?

[simon291971449]

Hi. The thing I'm struggling with is getting the trackrod end ball joints unscrewed from the rod which comes from the rack. I already have the ball joint separated from the steering arm. Trying to get them off risks a lot of waggling of the rod coming from the rack and I don't want to break anything. Hence I asked about getting the rod free of the rack to put in a vice etc.

I'm thinking that even more penetrating fluid and heat are probably the solutions.

While I'm asking, I've noticed big price differentials for new track rod end ball joints. Advice on buying. longevity etc?

Thanks

Simon

[ptjs1]

Simon,

Perhaps try putting the balljoint back to the steering arm. This will give better stability. If still unable to undo, then get the heat on it.

Good luck

Paul

[PaulGover]

For some reason, garage mechanics like to over-tighten the track rod end lock nuts. I presume a fear that the steering will spontaneously disconnect itself. But they don't, for example, over-tighten the suspension mounting bolts to the same extent, so what's to stop the wheels falling off? The correct torque for the lock nuts is 50-60 Ft lb.

Actually, I suspect the problem is that it's nigh-impossible to use a torque wrench on the lock nuts. You'd have to use a crows-foot adapter, and in my experience if you put any significant torque on them, they splay and slip round the nuts.

If you don't mind replacing the lock nuts, I've found a pair of big plumber's Stilson pipe wrenches will give enough leverage and grip to get the d**d things off.

If you use heat, take care not to melt plastic and rubber bits in and above the area, including gaiters and steering rack seals...