Easy fix?

[chris1972]

I'm just cleaning off and Waxoiling my outriggers etc. I noticed that this bush was US on the steering rack (see pic below). Is it easy to replace? Do I need any special tools to split to rack away?

Any idea what part I need? Is it a track rod end?
http://www.clever-trevor.net/TVR/Parts_details/H00...

Thanks!

Edited by chris1972 on Monday 8th April 15:53

[SteveSPG]

its just a rubber outer thats perished, but you probably need a ball joint splittr to remove the track rod ends from the steering arms (or a whack on the loosened nut with a hammer, but the threads will be knackered doing that, but you are replacing anyway)

if the gaiter has perished, chances are the joint itself will be rusty.

get the tracking done after,

[Chilliman]

And have a close inspection of the other side too.... and the steering gaitors...

[phazed]

Try undoing the lock nut till the top of it is level with the top of the threaded stud. Heat the cast body around the area of the track rod to expand it and give the nut a good clout with a decent 'ammer!

[phillpot]

Gaiters are available but chances are water got in and joint is past its best. I'd change them as a pair and, as said, tracking will need doing afterwards.

To remove the old joint from the steering arm you don't hit the end of the thread you hit the steering arm once the nut is loosened (one good whack with a big hammer tippy tappy with a little hammer is no good) this momentarily distorts the hole just enough for the taper to drop out.



ETA.... hit it here so the force is resisted by the steering arm, not on the side which would try to bend it.

Edited by phillpot on Monday 8th April 20:49

[QBee]

Or get a new car......might be easier

[Andav469]

Chris,
As has been said before, replace both track rod ends even if the other side doesn't look perished, no doubt it will also fail soon, also replace the steering rack gaitors at the same time, might as well if you have the track rod end off.

The parts should set you back no more than £45 all in, however, you will need your tracking set up.

Have you checked the condition of the top and bottom ball joints while you are at it, if any of them have any play in the joint or a split in the rubber boot/cover, it will be an MOT failure.

[chris1972]

Thanks everyone. Everything else looks good. The PS gaiters are solid and look quite new. Had a visual at all the other bushes and they look fine. I'll look at replacing both track rod ends though. Rather than take the chance of hitting it with a hammer, I think I'll use a splitter. I just know it won't work out with the hammer route! What splitter is best to get, the fork type of the double/ bolted type?

That bloody Waxoil goes everywhere. Definitely on thicker one side! I need to master that compressor. Doesn't look great, but if it keeps the chassis going until I can consider a body off next year, I'll be happy.