Horizontal play on wheel

EDWARD757 · Post by **EDWARD757** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:13 pm

Hi,
I have felt something amiss with the suspension for a little while and have just had a look whilst doing an Oil service (why is it never straight forward - a right bugger getting the filter off).
If one grabs the top and bottom of the nearside wheel, it is solid.
If one does the same on the horizontal axis, there is a knocking. This does not replicate itself on the offside wheel.
What are the usual suspects to inspect and are they DIYable?

Whilst there I was planning on doing the discs/pads - My T55 bit just sheared in two - Why design using those? What is wrong with nice BIG bolts?
Kind regards,
Ed

HimBigChief · Post by **HimBigChief** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:51 pm

If it's got play when shaking side to side (as opposed to top to bottom) then the usual suspect is the track rod end. Next suspect would be the ball joint. Basically have a look while wiggling and see where the play is. Both are a DIY job, but the track rod end can be a bit of a bugger, and you'll need to get the tracking checked after replacing either of them. Was your T55 a security one (had a hole down the middle)? I snapped 2 of those before getting a solid one and it worked absoltuely fine.

Gary406 · Post by **Gary406** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 6:59 pm

could it not be droplinks (usuall suspect on a 406)

were are you based mate. i have a T55 and a big solid 1/2" ratchet that will eat it alive

you can use it free if your close to me

HimBigChief · Post by **HimBigChief** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:03 pm

Droplinks rattle but don't cause any play in the wheel itslef due to the fact it's not attached to the hub. The droplink is connected to the antiroll bar and the strut.

Movement of the wheel is relegated to anything attached to the hub, i.e. wheel bearing (up & down play) or track rod /rod end or balljoint (which is side-to-side play). I suppose it could be the wishbone bushes, but I doubt that and that would likely make a clunking noise coming off and on the power and also when turning.

Gary406 · Post by **Gary406** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 7:11 pm

track rod end would be 1st suspect then ?

EDWARD757 · Post by **EDWARD757** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 9:33 pm

Hi Guys,
thanks for offer of T55 but I'm on south coast - would this do it?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/T55-TORX-BIT-6-Po ... 256186557d

The track rod end I understand, crack the tightening nut, loosen the ball joint nut, whack the hub assembly and the track rod end should come free. Count the revolutions off and put new one on the same. Tighten all the nuts, bobs your uncle.

The ball joint - where is this? Is it under the hub?

The track rod end rubber looks OK but I guess it can be knackered inside?
Kind regards,
Ed

HimBigChief · Post by **HimBigChief** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:43 pm

The rubber can be fine, but the ball in the socket will have worn loose. That's pretty much the procedure you describe above. The balljoint is under the hub, and it is similar in design and fitment as the track rod end. It is the connection between the wishbone and hub.

EDWARD757 · Post by **EDWARD757** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 8:27 am

The ball joint under the hub is not under any tension/compression from the spring is it? One would hate to undo it and get a face full of spring!
Kind regards,
Ed

trem1 · Post by **trem1** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 11:30 am

will this help

EDWARD757 · Post by **EDWARD757** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 9:33 pm

Hi,
I have just checked the MOT history (via DVLA site) and one of the reasons for faiure last year was the 'Nearside Inner Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)' which I understand was replaced.
The question is what is the inner track rod end ball joint?
The one I can see, near the wheel, is the outer one track rod end?
Sorry if I am being dense....
Kind regards,
Ed

Post by **steve_earwig** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 10:55 pm

There's a balljoint on the inner end of each arm, inside the boot.

omega · Post by **omega** » Sun Jul 10, 2011 7:57 am

trem1 wrote:will this help

if its item number 10 in this picture you need a special tool to remove it.

EDWARD757 · Post by **EDWARD757** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 8:45 pm

Hi.
I have just had another look and marked the outer track rod end with chalk. I could see no play.the track rod does move though and of I was a betting man,it seems like the inner joint...but that should only be 12000miles old.the whole strut seems to rotate a little in the vertical axis. Any more thoughts?ed

jasper5 · Post by **jasper5** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:22 pm

EDWARD757 wrote:Hi.
I have just had another look and marked the outer track rod end with chalk. I could see no play.the track rod does move though and of I was a betting man,it seems like the inner joint...but that should only be 12000miles old.the whole strut seems to rotate a little in the vertical axis. Any more thoughts?ed

To check for play in the inner track rod joint.....

Get someone to grip the track rod tightly whilst you do the horizontal movement, if the play reduces then you have wear in the inner joint.

Check for movement in the actual strut inner rod as well.

406oc.co.uk

Horizontal play on wheel

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