Track rod end nightmare

O

oldmandave

New Member

Posts

2

Location

Norfolk

• Mar 28, 2021

• #1

I need to free up the track rod ends to get the steering aligned. The turnbuckle on the left hand side looks totally rusted and so I'm expecting a battle to free it up prior to putting new track rod ends on. Had thought about taking the linkage straight off the steering rack but here's very little clearance between the bolts and pipework to the BMW lump. Would it be easier / quicker / less stress to remove the whole rack from the vehicle? Wisdom / expertise welcomed. Thanks.

 

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

Posts

32,954

Location

Cornwall

• Mar 28, 2021

• #2

Just turn the steering full left or full right, so you can access the track rod to rack bolt, which you do through the same hole the track rod comes through.

Don't think about changing the rack, as that's a ball ache.

Track rods are cheap enough new, so no need to mess with second hand replacements.
I have a couple of second hand ones which will be going to the scrap man soon, as they're pretty worthless.

 

J_D

Well-Known Member

Posts

648

Location

Worcestershire

• Mar 29, 2021

• #3

Soak in plusgas, applying for a few nights if poss.
I don't know but those crows foot spanners look like they could help.
Swearing and sticking tongue out always works.

 

O

oldmandave

New Member

Posts

2

Location

Norfolk

• Apr 9, 2021

• #4

Thanks for the advice, Soaked every few days with plus gas, the worst looking side came apart with ease. However, on the better looking side the head to the clamp bolt on the track rod end sheared. Swearing, large ring spanner to the track rod, more swearing and eventually all was free!

 

Turboman

Mab An Gov

Posts

60,151

Location

Lathrowda, Kernow

• Apr 9, 2021

• #5

oldmandave said:

Thanks for the advice, Soaked every few days with plus gas, the worst looking side came apart with ease. However, on the better looking side the head to the clamp bolt on the track rod end sheared. Swearing, large ring spanner to the track rod, more swearing and eventually all was free!

Click to expand...

Remove the clamp, prise the slots open a little bit with a screwdriver, squirt in some penetrating fluid, leave for a bit and turn the rod with a small Stilson.