Changing track rod ends - idiots guide anyone?

[Doggy]

Have to swap one of mine and wondered if there's an easy way of getting the tracking more or less right? Going to replace at least 2 tyres shortly and will get a proper 4-wheel alignment done then, but how can I set it approximately for now?

[steve_earwig]

It's usually done by counting the number of turns it took to get it off and winding the new one on by the same number, however this assumes that your new track rod end is more or less identical to your old one. Or you could mark the track rod and measure to the centre of the ball pin.

[midsmike]

Mate if ur having 4 wheel trackin done do both track rods and do rear top links they are cheap and will save u money if u have it tracked and then 1 goes u will have to get it done again and to set it for now crack the locking nut and then undo the track rod end off the tie rod and then put the new 1 on and do it up to the lockin nut if that makes sence

[Doggy]

Thanks gents.

I thought I remembered hearing about the 'count the turns' method. I can see the sense in both suggestions so I'll blunder on gratefully and a little less blindly.

Thanks for the tip on doing both sides and the top links, pre-alignment, I'll seriously consider doing that.

[dummysock]

Do the counting and marking etc.

But also try putting a string line across front and back wheels. I use axle stands clear of the car front and back with string touching back wheel and measure toe in at the rims before changing track rod end. Then adjust to same after changing track rod end

[lozz]

Ijust put a marker behind the locking nut before removal,
even counting the turns you can end up slightly out,
so best to mark it ..ithink

[Doggy]

Well so far. there's no danger of upsetting the alignment........

I can't get the track rod end to budge relative to the track rod.
The locknut undid easily & separating the rod end from the hub was no problem, but no way will the bugger unscrew from the track rod.

The flats on the track rod seem to be about 20/21 mm and I've only got a big adjustable to try & turn it with - so I've reassembled it in order to go get some more gear.

Think I might try and get it up on someone's hoist and at least get it to move a bit, before round 2.

[dummysock]

Clamp the track rod with mole grips and wedge under body of car. Then put a long tube over the tapered ball joint of the track rod end and turn

Good luck !!

[jasper5]

Well so far. there's no danger of upsetting the alignment........

I can't get the track rod end to budge relative to the track rod.
The locknut undid easily & separating the rod end from the hub was no problem, but no way will the bugger unscrew from the track rod.

The flats on the track rod seem to be about 20/21 mm and I've only got a big adjustable to try & turn it with - so I've reassembled it in order to go get some more gear.

Think I might try and get it up on someone's hoist and at least get it to move a bit, before round 2.

So, you managed to undo the track rod lock nut 21mm?

If so you should squirt WD40 or similar into the threads that go into the track rod end, let it soak for a bit then bash the edge of the track rod end to loosen the rust in the threads, also take the track rod end out of the hub and hit it on the end to loosen it from the threads, then get something like a tube as suggested with mole grips or a spanner on the track rod to try to move it a bit at a time back and forth, keep squirting the WD40 in the threads and bashing the side and end of the track rod end.

[lozz]

Well so far. there's no danger of upsetting the alignment........

I can't get the track rod end to budge relative to the track rod.
The locknut undid easily & separating the rod end from the hub was no problem, but no way will the bugger unscrew from the track rod.

The flats on the track rod seem to be about 20/21 mm and I've only got a big adjustable to try & turn it with - so I've reassembled it in order to go get some more gear.

Think I might try and get it up on someone's hoist and at least get it to move a bit, before round 2.

Doggy if your ever short of spanners mate,
give us a shout, ive got boxes full idont use

just give us a shout with what sizes and ipost you some out

[Doggy]

Got it sorted - just had to slide underneath in the slush and get a decent bit of leverage on it. Once I got it to budge and worked it back & forth a bit, it unscrewed fairly easily. I used a 10mm socket + 2 extensions to lever the rod end round with a big adjustable holding the track rod from turning against the deck.

All back together and it seems to drive OK, (runs straight as a die and the steering wheel's the same fraction off straight it was to start with so I guess I can't have messed it up too much).

Many thanks for all your help and encouragment.