Removal of a track rod?

[Excitedoldgeezer]

Is it easy to remove the track rod? Does it just screw into the steering rack? Or if I undue them am I flooded in PAS fluid :-)

Checked the bible, loads on track rod ends but nothing on the rod itself.

[phillpot]

In a nut shell, NO!

there is a ball machined on the end within the gaiter which is attached to the rack by a cap and nut arrangement. Most racks are pretty similar in design, google "steering rack exploded diagram" and all should become clear.

[Excitedoldgeezer]

cheers phil much appreciated, the joy of google

[Barkychoc]

Best pic I could find - bottom rack is Chim PAS Rack (Top is V8S)

[Alexdaredevilz]

I do this daily some can take a matter of seconds and some and take 10 mins tops!

Then again I have broke racks trying to unseize some of the older poorly built cars

I would recommend you re-track it after

Im fitting a Polo rack tomorrow and could take some pictures if needed

Edit- you will need some water pump pliers or similar

[haircutmike]

Pull of gaiter, if rack is still bolted to chassis, turn steering so the track rod joint is adjacent to the gap inbetween the chassis and wishbone and undo joint with a 32mm spanner.

Tighten again with threadlock.

[Excitedoldgeezer]

cheers guys much appreciated, I start the full suspension refurb next weekend, and decided to upgrade all the steering elements and purchased the rods thinking they would be easy to change, looking at your comments I think we will be fine ;-)

The old while I am there syndrome.........