Track rod end

[bigdods]

In pursuit of tying down my rear end vibration problem got the local garage to stick her on a ramp and check everything over. The only thing they could find (apart from rebalancing the rears) was a loose track rod end (yes I know thats at the front !!) - but this has just come away from a suspension check and alignment (including a steering check) from a well known indie with no probs found - I am obviously inclined to trust the indie more than my local garage - but surely a track rod end is the same on any car so this is something they may well be right on - should I be worried (they tell me its ok to drive) and how much to fix ? any comments appreciated

cheers

Dodsy

[M@H]

What do they mean by loose..? if the bottom locking nut was a bit loose (although they are Nyloc's) then it just needs tightening up.. ditto with the lock nut on the track arm from the rack (that one's not a nyloc). If they found either to be loose then they would have tightened it up I assume... no real drama whatsoever.

Just have a look underneath

Cheers
Matt

>> Edited by M@H on Friday 2nd September 12:54

[bigdods]

Hmm could be that, I think they didnt want to touch anything just in case they broke it heheh. I will have a look later see whats going on

[the dodger]

bigdods said:

- but this has just come away from a suspension check and alignment (including a steering check) from a well known indie with no probs found -

In which area/location is this well known indie? I have recent evidence of a loose wheel nut after a service at one of these "well known indies". Mybe best to e-mail answer. (don't name & shame - yet!)

[GreenV8S]

A loose track rod end normally means there is play inside the joint rather than the joint not secured to the car.

[bigdods]

Yeah I figured it was just a bit of play in the joint - so no major drama and they checked and rechecked every joint and bolt front and rear to make sure the vibration wasnt a sign of something coming loose. Ah well back to the specialists with a big wad of beer tokens then... I will have them check out/replace the track rod end at the same time .