Track rod end ball joints???

[Jay07]

Hey People!

Please can you tell me about the above??

Got my MOT done and in the advisory run down its says that
Both my track rod end ball joints have play in them !

Ok they're suspension related but what else can you guys tell me about them? what will they cause? how much am i looking at?

Much appreciated!
J

[fuzzy]

track rod ends are under £20 each iirc and are easily changed if your handy with the spanners. just remember to measure the rough length of the old one before you remove them then get the tracking checked at a local kwik fit type place.

[BILTEL]

And a bit handy with a gas torch. The last one's I did were TIGHT!!!

[fuzzy]

And a bit handy with a gas torch. The last one's I did were TIGHT!!!

o/t but what cars that in your avatar?looks like an ma61 supra?

[Jay07]

Cheers Fuzzy!

I just checked my haynes, they give it a 4/5 spanner jobbie... doesnt look that difficult! I dont have any specialist tools... I'll check with the local mech how much he'll charge to do it!

I take it from what you said they assist the tracking alignment??

Thanks again!

[Rik178m]

sorry not trying to hi-jack the post but wheres the best place to get these from as mine need doing aswell

[fuzzy]

id say its probably a 3 out of 5 spanner job at the most for a competant diy mechanic. the threaded part has to be set at the correct length for the steering/suspension geometry. a rough size in mm will do until you get it checked properly. incorrect setting will cause wheel vibrations and/or premature/uneven tyre wear.

[Jay07]

Ive got a local guy... who specialises in german car parts rather than going to cps/gps - whateva they're called... otherwise the dealer i would assume mate!

[Jay07]

Hmm

incorrect setting will cause wheel vibrations and/or premature/uneven tyre wear.

im getting the wobble... its doing my head in

[Rik178m]

howmuch are they from him?

[BILTEL]

And a bit handy with a gas torch. The last one's I did were TIGHT!!!

o/t but what cars that in your avatar?looks like an ma61 supra?

Supra!!! How dare you?

Nah, Its a Mitsubishi Starion. My trusty trackday car.

[Jay07]

howmuch are they from him?

Have to let you know as soon as i find out this week mate... I'll give him a ring tomorrow

[Rik178m]

Sweet mate cos if theyre cheap could i ask the biggest favour from you of posting me a drivers side 1 please?

[BadDave]

Sweet mate cos if theyre cheap could i ask the biggest favour from you of posting me a drivers side 1 please?

IIRC there about £10 ea from GSF/Europarts

HTH

Dave

[Jay07]

I'll let you know mate... as for posting that shouldnt be a problem though im in no mood for fcuking around!!

[Rik178m]

cheers.

Had a look on ecp and the descriptions are a bit confusing! didnt know which 1 it was!

[stonesie]

Theyre called TIE ROD's on GSF

Always called them track rod end's myself


I have never heard of them causing vibrations through the steering wheel though, always found that to be down to wheel ballance

[Brianmoooore]

Theyre called TIE ROD's on GSF

Always called them track rod end's myself

Tie rods, (or track rods), and track rod ends are two different things (although they screw together).
Have you established for sure which part needs to be replaced?

[stonesie]

it is tie rod end...... £8.75 not a bad price

good catch brianmoooore

[Rik178m]

Just for clarification - whats this bit called?

[old_skool]

That's a track rod end, and get that jack out from under there - it's in the wrong place!

[Rik178m]

is that what its called on ecp or gsf?

Chill winston its not touching anything

[Jay07]

"Have you established for sure which part needs to be replaced?"

Hey Brian!

It came up on the mot... the report says both side have a lot of play in the track rod end ball joints (2.2.B.1f)

Will this cause a vibration?

[Brianmoooore]

Worn track rod ends will cause the steering to shimmy.

[dodgem]

This thread just made me wonder about a wobble i have - it happens when braking relatively hard above about 40mph. I guess it's more of a vibration through the steering wheel than a wobble though...

Had a search for related topics and there was a suggestion of control arm bushes, but i've recently replaced both control arms, fitted M3 bushes, and replaced shocks and springs.

So would worn track rod end ball joint cause this vibration?

Also, are the left and right track rod ends different or the same?

Cheers.

[Jay07]

Dodgem it sounds like you might had wharped break discs...I had the same problem when breaking... i changed out the discs... annoying problem solved....

Cheers for the confirmation brian......

[Gravy]

I don't know if it would help any, but I've got both track rod ends from GSF available. They are spanking new and untouched, I never got to fit them becuase I am breaking my car so can stick them in the post for £15 if anyone is interested?
Sorry to spam the thread but it seemed relevent

[Jay07]

Cheers Gravy but my cars already in the shop getting them done... Like you say, they may be of benefit to someone else!

[Jay07]

well ive had the track rod end ball joints changed and the wobble is still there at 50mph.... next to try is a re-balance!!