is this a symptom of knackered track rods?

sheffboy

avoiding potholes
May 25, 2007
655
1
I'm trying to diagnose a slight knock on the front nearside of my LC which is bugging me.

It feels like somethings loose. I can feel a slight bit of play in the steering when I travel over uneven roads.

I've checked my rear wishbones bushes and ARB bushes but their all fine. I replaced them with powerflex ones 18 months ago. I'm starting to think either ball joints or track rod ends. Has anyone had anything similar?
 

CupraTurbo81

Guest
If the track rods are knackered then you should have visible excessive movement in them when the cars up on a jack.
 

Willie

LCR Track car
Aug 6, 2004
8,939
1
Sunny Scotland
On a 03 plate if these haven't been done they won't do you any harm.
You will have to have the 4 wheel alignment done on both of these, might as well do them both at the same time then its done and not to worry about these any more.
 

sheffboy

avoiding potholes
May 25, 2007
655
1
well seeing as the car has just done 109,000 miles I'm going to treat her to new ball joints and rod ends and alignment to hopefully tighten things up a bit.

How much should I expect to pay for that lot. ball park figure obviously.
 

Willie

LCR Track car
Aug 6, 2004
8,939
1
Sunny Scotland
DIY??

Pretty easy if you have some tools.

Shouldn't be more than 4 hours labour, even if there very very sticky.
You could help the situation by getting in there with a wire brush and some 'Plusgas' penetrant for a few days before going to get this done.
 

sheffboy

avoiding potholes
May 25, 2007
655
1
cheers for the info willie.

Think I'll have a go myself as money's very tight at the moment.

I've done the ball joints on an old golf caddy before and they were straight forward so shouldn't be to difficult.

Will just have to pay for the allignment :D
 

Willie

LCR Track car
Aug 6, 2004
8,939
1
Sunny Scotland
Get plusgas penetrant, stuff is VERY good.

As you probably know, wire brush it well, fill with plusgas, leave to soak in.

The track rod ends can be very difficult, try and have a heat source handy as mine were VERY difficult to remove.
I ended up cutting my track rod end off then unbolting the track rod end threaded section, right bugger but I WON!!!!!
LOL
 

sheffboy

avoiding potholes
May 25, 2007
655
1
luckily i use plus gas alot with my job so have some in the garage. I'll give it a good soaking overnight and let it work its magic.

Will I need any tools that are out of the ordinary? I've got all the usual spanners, sockets etc. I dont have a swivel socket adaptor thingy though, will i need one :think:
 

Willie

LCR Track car
Aug 6, 2004
8,939
1
Sunny Scotland
You might need a track rod end slitter, and def a big assed hammer.
Stilson or pipe wrench for track rod end if its being difficult as the flats on it are pish.
Remember new nuts for the track rod end and ball joints as they don't come with it
 

sheffboy

avoiding potholes
May 25, 2007
655
1
top man.

There's nothing worse than having the car in bits and suddenly realizing you dont have the right tools to finish the job :cry:
 
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