Cerbera track rod query

[thefrog]

Hi, when the track rod is fitted to the rack, should it spin freely or does that mean it's unbolting itself from the rack ?
Picture of part here http://tvr-parts.com/tvr-parts/part-details/tvr-h0... can't tell if it's one solid piece or not ?

Thanks
Greg

[Cerberaherts]

The rod should spin. It has a ball joint on the end where it screws into the rack, which you can see on e the rack boot is moved.

[thefrog]

Great, thank you. That's what I was hoping to hear

[ukkid35]

I beg to differ.

It should not spin freely, it will typically take mole grips to turn. If not either it is undoing itself, or the ball joint is shot.

[jamieduff1981]

ukkid35 said:

I beg to differ.

It should not spin freely, it will typically take mole grips to turn. If not either it is undoing itself, or the ball joint is shot.

I agree with this. It'll rotate, but there should be a firm resistance offered.

[Supateg]

Remove the steering rack boot, no doubt it will have tie wraps holding it (not the best fixing method but it's a tvr) have spare tie wraps to re attach.

You will understand when you see.
Sounds like a worn in board joint or its loose and needs thread lock at the least or proper lock washer and nipping up.

[thefrog]

Thanks, I'll double check and report back.

[thefrog]

Taken the boot off, the rod goes into the assembly that screws onto the rack and looks like a captive balljoint of sorts. The rod is firmly screwed into the rack, so no worries there.

Maybe different designs depending on year, but the balljoint looks like it is meant to allow the rod to move freely. Not sure why it would need a lot of strength (mole grips) to do so.

[Supateg]

Good no potential disaster then!

The ball joint,
Like most things in life it starts out stiff and goes floppy with age leading to a headache (play)
Grap the rod and see if there is any movement in the joint (in and out) if so it needs replacing, if ok refit boot and track rod end, job done.
Hth

[thefrog]

Supateg said:

Good no potential disaster then!

The ball joint,
Like most things in life it starts out stiff and goes floppy with age leading to a headache (play)
Grap the rod and see if there is any movement in the joint (in and out) if so it needs replacing, if ok refit boot and track rod end, job done.
Hth

Thanks, no play, I had play in the track rod end which has now been replaced. Reason for asking is that I took the car for a spin after changing the track rod end (tracking still needs checking) and the steering wheel was slightly out of alignment, I was wondering if I had inadvertently unscrewed the track rod altogether.

Must have got the steering wheel slightly off after doing the steering spigot seal some weeks ago, all set properly now.