Wouldn't do the tracking?

[Foe]

So took the car to the local garage, to get my tracking done.
Drove over the pit, waited and was told they couldn't do the tracking as too much play?
I asked what he meant?
He told me to grab the wheel and shake it.
Yes the was a bit of play, well a lot of play, a bit like when the nuts are not on properly.
I asked what could be causing that?
He wasn't sure, but said could be track rod ends?
Can a) anyone confirm that tracking can't be done as too play in the wheel?
b) could it be the track rod ends, and they maybe need replacing?
c) anything else that could cause this, anything I should try?

Ta

[martauto]

I would take it to somewhere who is competent enough not just to tell you they cant do it but WHY .

Mart.

[stones]

It could be the track rods (ball joints worn) or it could be the wheel bearing. Does the wheel have play up, down and side to side?
It could also be the ball joints on the wishbones or the lollipop bushings but I think you did these recently?
Do you have much play in the steering wheel?
HTH

[stones]

Also what Mart said.

[martauto]

Also what Mart said.

Mart.

[Foe]

I would take it to somewhere who is competent enough not just to tell you they cant do it but WHY .

Mart.

Yes a good shout

It could be the track rods (ball joints worn) or it could be the wheel bearing. Does the wheel have play up, down and side to side?
It could also be the ball joints on the wishbones or the lollipop bushings but I think you did these recently?
Do you have much play in the steering wheel?
HTH

Play is side to side.
Lollipops recently done
A little play in the steering, however there is steering fluid leaking out of the nearside boot of the steering rack, but only a drip or two, have to top up every two weeks. I'm going to buy a kit, which seems cheaper than a recon or upgrade.

[davidt]

Was the steering lock on.

[Foe]

Was the steering lock on.

No, we had the engine running,

[Contours]

The garage should have advised on what the problem is. An Nct/Mot centre wont do an alignment test on a vehicle where they discover play or wear in suspension components. So logically, there is no point in doing the tracking on a car that has these issues.

[Foe]

The garage should have advised on what the problem is. An Nct/Mot centre wont do an alignment test on a vehicle where they discover play or wear in suspension components. So logically, there is no point in doing the tracking on a car that has these issues.

Agree, but I nor they, have any idea what it could be.
For now, I'm going to sulk and probably sack it off, until I can afford new tie rods, and or take her somewhere who may know what the issue is. As this all linked to the steering rack...
I'm also considering buying a steering rack refurb seal kit, or borrowing money for a reconditioned unit.
Aghhhhhh, bloody crap box!!

[BenHar]

Check the uj in the steering column.

Ben

[Foe]

Check the uj in the steering column.

Ben

Good point. How do I check for play?
Grabbing the knuckle and shake it?

Thanks

[Brianmoooore]

Are you saying this car has been on a ramp and the "mechanic" couldn't tell you what the problem was? If so, he is no mechanic.
Is there any play between the two front wheels, or just with the steering wheel?
Fluid in the rack boot is a MOT test failure, so either rebuild the rack, or make sure the boots are dry and empty immediately before you submit it for a test.

[Foe]

Are you saying this car has been on a ramp and the "mechanic" couldn't tell you what the problem was? If so, he is no mechanic.
Is there any play between the two front wheels, or just with the steering wheel?
Fluid in the rack boot is a MOT test failure, so either rebuild the rack, or make sure the boots are dry and empty immediately before you submit it for a test.

Yes! I didn't stay for long after his reply.
It's both front wheels.
The steering rack, is right at the top of my list and will get this done before I get the tracking done, but need to try and find out what the problem is, if there is one.
Any suggestions?

[Brianmoooore]

If you take hold of one front wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and wriggle it over and back with the steering lock on, is there any movement? If there is movement, does the same movement occur on the opposite wheel? (You'll need second person for this). Release the steering lock and repeat.

[Foe]

If you take hold of one front wheel at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions and wriggle it over and back with the steering lock on, is there any movement? If there is movement, does the same movement occur on the opposite wheel? (You'll need second person for this). Release the steering lock and repeat.

Thank you. I'll try it this evening after work.

[Foe]

Typical, my 18yr old decides to stay out!
Will report back on the wheel wiggling, when's he's back..... bloody kids!

[Foe]

UPDATE

Took it to a local garage who confirmed track rod ends.

This was after my son and I did what Brianmoooore suggested, in which there is play in both wheels 9 & 6 but not at 12 & 6 o'clock.

I've ordered a low mileage steering rack, with inner and outer tie ends, from magpie. Will stick this straight on. As the near side gator is weeping ATF fluid anyway.
I'll then replace the washers etc on the old rack over winter.

Thanks again for everyone's help

[Foe]

Going to attempt to remove the steering rack today. Only have a few hours, so will see how far I can get.

On removal, I take it the steering wheel should be dead center.
And does it matter if the inner tie ends are left in situ on removal?