Trying to replace my track rod end

kenbw2 · 2025-06-13 23:15:25

Getting through my MOT I'm needing to replace my track rod end because the rubber has split on it. I could have the garage do it, but he suggested I could do it and I'm determined to get it done

But obviously these things are never as easy as it sounds when corrosion comes in

After having bought a bigger mallet I was finally able to get it unseated from the wheel knuckle

The next challenge was to get the locking nut off, which after a lot of force and WD40 started moving, even if stiff it's enough

But what I can't manage is getting the damn track rod end itself to move. I eventually realised there's a flat spot on the steering arm to get a 13mm spanner on. But no matter how I try it will. not. budge.

I'm thinking I need to get a blowtorch on it to loosen it up, which I'll try tomorrow. Any other tips welcome

RegW · 2025-06-14 14:54:03

Two hefty sets of 24"stilsons come to mind for that job though 18" may serve.
One on the rod one on the track end.
I used to have a pair, one Rigid one Record that would shift manys a stubborn assembly.
If they have good teeth, not rounded off nubs, they're very useful for this sort of thing

Last edited by RegW (2025-06-14 15:00:41)

RegW · 2025-06-14 15:04:55

There's a decent looking set of 18" Records on ebay for not much at all

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/156879117702?

The teeth look in good nick and that's the most important thing

Last edited by RegW (2025-06-14 15:07:22)

kenbw2 · 2025-06-14 17:47:57

I bought a blow torch and blasted it till the plastic and rubber on the ball joint was smoking

Still won't bloody budge.

Got it booked in at the garage on Tuesday anyway so screw it I admit defeat

kenbw2 · 2025-06-14 22:30:13

Well I ghave up, and started to put it back together. But of course, optimistic as I was, I hammered the bottom of the old bolt good, and it damaged the end of it

No problem, I'll just file it down until the nut goes back on. Except I couldn't. No matter how much I filed, the nut wouldn't go back on. And I was a bit worried about having melted the nylon in the ball joint and it falling out on my way to the garage.

So screw it, I'll have one last try. Massive mole grips on the steering arm, and a massive tug on the track rod end.

And off it came!

kenbw2 · 2025-06-14 22:31:07

Now all back together - this time with a healthy dose of grease on the threads - and ready for my MOT retest big_smile

RegW · 2025-06-15 13:21:48

Well done that man !
Some bodger should have greased those threads on assembly as they're needed to
adjust the tracking, now you'll be able to do that when you have to.

kenbw2 · 2025-06-15 19:32:42

RegW wrote:

Well done that man !
Some bodger should have greased those threads on assembly as they're needed to
adjust the tracking, now you'll be able to do that when you have to.

Sadly that "bodger" was me 4 years ago roll

RegW · 2025-06-15 22:09:02

kenbw2 wrote:

RegW wrote:
Well done that man !
Some bodger should have greased those threads on assembly as they're needed to
adjust the tracking, now you'll be able to do that when you have to.
Sadly that "bodger" was me 4 years ago

?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia1.tenor.com%2Fm%2F5cMqBJ8QOzMAAAAd%2Fdisappointment.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=ead1e462143207201152d2381d558685e5debf06cafdaf7c36a0956ff664d262

The Dispatch | Expert | Scudo Hub

Get help & share your Citroen Dispatch (Jumpy) | Peugeot Expert | Fiat Scudo tips

#1 2025-06-13 23:15:25

Trying to replace my track rod end

#2 2025-06-14 14:54:03

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#3 2025-06-14 15:04:55

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#4 2025-06-14 17:47:57

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#5 2025-06-14 22:30:13

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#6 2025-06-14 22:31:07

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#7 2025-06-15 13:21:48

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#8 2025-06-15 19:32:42

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

#9 2025-06-15 22:09:02

Re: Trying to replace my track rod end

Board footer