unseizing trackrod ends

[Hammer1]

Has anybody got any tips?? was going to get the tracking reset after suspension change today,but the guy couldnt move the rods

Heat was recommended but i've never ever tried heat before and what should i buy to heat the rods up? will them butane/propane thingys b&q sell be up to the job? and how far do you go with the heat

Its bloody annoying and confusing at the minute

[Karan]

i guess u can heat with those things, although most garages use oxyacetlyene mixtures i think that are bloody hot

i wouldnt worry bout going too hot

Karan

[Kelson]

If you can't get them hot enough, try penetrating oil/diesel fuel and a lot of patience. Soak them and wait an hour or so, retry, redo etc etc, they will move eventually. You also need to thoroughly clean the exposed threads to help. After resetting or fitting new ones use a liberal smear of heavy grade grease on the exposed threads and under the clamp (along the slot) to prevent a recurrence (waxoil works ok as well)

[Ant]

Evidence of use of heat on steering/suspension parts is an MOT failure dudes !!


Best bet of they're that siezed, get some new ones, they are £12 ish from ECP/GSF and come complete with the inner and outer balljoints so no real downside to this one then

outer is a 17mm nut , for the inner remove S/Rack gaitors, and you'll see whats what, use a stilson/pipe wrench to get em off.

If you wanna risk it use a propane torch, you need to heat it til it burns you, but the strength of the metal is unaffected, ie cherry red and glowing is too hot LOL !

feck bring it to me and I'll free em off dude

[keith52]

Heat is the answer i'm afraid, the normal gas blow lamps from B& Q give out only a general heat unless you can generate a more direct flame by changing the nozzle,Have a look in a dedicated plummers shop who should sell better quality lamps , And no as long as you're careful where you direct the flame there shouldn't be any problems

[BadDave]

Oxy /Acetelene is a bit much(It's more than capable of burning through steel plate over an 1" thick)AND it burns at a very high temperature compared to propane or butane.
Only use it if you've got experience with that gas mix or you could end up burning through it(worst case)
A cheap blow lamp with a small gas canister is more than enough
It doesn't need to be red hot in order to do the trick.
Just apply a little heat all round the part and then undo it

[Toby_Unna]

my m535i didn't fail the mot when i'd used heat on both trackrods the same day and i'd made no attempt to disguise it.

[Ant]

not saying I'd fail it dude , but there are a few idiot testers that follow the handbook guidelines to the letter..
avoid them

[Hammer1]

Cheers guys a bit of heat worked a treat and i recommend the propane/butane heat gun from b&q and got a great result to,only paid £2.95 for it after the trainee cashier scanned the canister not the whole thing (£12.95)

So a good day all round

[keith52]

glad you got the dam things off , i had to resort to a near nuclear explosion to release mine!