HELP!! Track Rod Ends

[Rich]

I have spent all of today fitting PAS to the van, after Rickys tip about a good scrapyard, I managed to get all the nessacery parts (forgetting completly about the floor plate and the different connection to the steering column). After what has seemed an incredable task, with every bolt being seized solid, and the drivers side suspension dropping so much that it required a jack, me with all my weight against the wishbone and hub, and a housemate to stick the bolt in, I have reached a problem I can't seem to get around.

The track rod ends!! I succesfuly removed them, with the tool that I bought today, easy as pie, I even put new gaitors on easilly, but trying to get the darn things back in is being a pain. They go in the hole, but when tightening up the nut, the whole thread part turns. It does this with the ones on the PAS rack, and the old manual rack. Is there some way of holding them so the thread does not turn, or is there a tool required?? Are they knackered and thus requiring new ones? Any help greatly appreciated, as until these are done, the van will have to stay on the axle stands!!

Many thanks, Rich

[MGTurbo]

There should be a flat on the rack that allows you to put a spanner on it. Or use mole grips.

Gareth

[Rich]

Thanks Gareth, but its not that bit, maybe I didnt make it clear, erm, its the bit with the taper on that goes into the hub, and a nylok nut goes on the other side. Basically the bit that goes on the wheel, as I turn the nut to tighten it, when the thread hits the nylon, it is turning the cone tapered bit that sits in the hub, and not the nut.

[MGTurbo]

Thanks Gareth, but its not that bit, maybe I didnt make it clear, erm, its the bit with the taper on that goes into the hub, and a nylok nut goes on the other side. Basically the bit that goes on the wheel, as I turn the nut to tighten it, when the thread hits the nylon, it is turning the cone tapered bit that sits in the hub, and not the nut.


Oh right i gotcha. Clean the threads throughly on the track rod end and grease. Fit the track rod end into the hub, and hit with a big hammer. Because its a taper it should be enough to stop it turning. This happens all the time with my car's.

Gareth

[Rich]

:) :) Thanks Gareth, will give it a go after dinner!

[SimonR]

Oh right i gotcha. Clean the threads throughly on the track rod end and grease. Fit the track rod end into the hub, and hit with a big hammer. Because its a taper it should be enough to stop it turning. This happens all the time with my car's.

Gareth

Hah! That'll do it. MaestroMatt and I found this out last weekend when we replaced the driveshaft/wheel bearing/cv joint/breaks etc units (sourced from Ledders) on A335. Usually a good press with the thumb is enough....

I'm sure Rich will have sorted it by now however!

[MGTurbo]

Hah! That'll do it. MaestroMatt and I found this out last weekend when we replaced the driveshaft/wheel bearing/cv joint/breaks etc units (sourced from Ledders) on A335. Usually a good press with the thumb is enough....

I'm sure Rich will have sorted it by now however!


No trust me, big hammer everytime :p

[SimonR]

No trust me, big hammer everytime :p


Something my father refers to as 'Landrover Technology'!

I'll use a hammer next time :laugh:

[tony]

Something my father refers to as 'Landrover Technology'!

I'll use a hammer next time :laugh:
:laugh: hammer time :laugh:

[Rich]

Done it!! Please note the time!

Big hammer in the end, and lots of coppaslip sorted it, cheers Gareth!

Coppaslip is great stuff though, on some of those seized and rusted bolts it was the only way. One in particular on the anti roll bar, I had loosened, but couldn't tighten back up. So took it right out, smeared a load of coppaslip on, went in by hand almost all the way then!! :laugh:

So I now have power steering fitted, track rod ends in, suspension back together, oil and filter changed, pas system has had 2 inital fills, but I cant prime it, or actually see if it works beacuse for the moment the steering wheel isn't attached to anything :banghead: !!! Makes it very light to turn though :worried: !

Hopefully I can find a scrapyard open tomorrow!!

Rich

[Rich]

It works, it works, it works!!! :) :)

Got the bits from the scrapyard today, even though the bloke had the cheek to charge me £8 yes £8 for the joint between the steering wheel and rack :rage:

Sounds a bit like a JCB, but I assume its just getting the rest of the air out of the system. It makes such a difference though!! Well pleased! :D

Rich

[Simon]

...amazing what you miss when you go on holiday...

PAS is an asset isn't it. Mine made a loud "squakking" noise (trust me it did) then settled down after a couple of primes and top ups. PAS fluid level hasn't moved in 20,000 miles of use.

Next Wednesday I'm replacing every last frontbrake/suspension/driveshaft/crossmember etc component too. Wish me luck :worried:

[MGTurbo]

...amazing what you miss when you go on holiday...

PAS is an asset isn't it. Mine made a loud "squakking" noise (trust me it did) then settled down after a couple of primes and top ups. PAS fluid level hasn't moved in 20,000 miles of use.

Next Wednesday I'm replacing every last frontbrake/suspension/driveshaft/crossmember etc component too. Wish me luck :worried:


Have fun, i'm bunging on some Powerflex bushes at long last. I'm sure the angle grinder will come in handy for that, plus the big hammer....

Gareth

[E_T_V]

After fitting 99% of my power steering before I went on holiday for a fortnight, I finally fitted the remaining bits to make it work lastnight and by heck the steering is now light. (I look a bit like popeye now from driving 2300 miles around scotland with a PAS rack fitted and filled with fluid but the pump not turning). My van has gone from being akin to an agricultural machine to almost refined now with its new engine, PAS and better soundproofing!)