track rod end

[marco2002]

Hi

Just replaced the track rod end. It came off easy enough didn't have the right size for the locknut or the inner tie rod spanner flat( 20mm) . Luckily the large molegrips and pipe wrench came in handy.The new Track rod end is on. I took a few measurements before starting to get the tracking setn as near as possible. I took a measurement from the centre of the balljoint on the track rod end(TRE) to a tippex mark where the 1st spanner flat is (145.5mm) and another measurement from same place on the TRE to the edge of the inner tie rod (78.5mm) 5.5 threads exposed on TRE as well. Now when i compared the old TRE with the new one they are slightly different. I don't think using the number of threads exposed on the new one is going to be any good.

What do you think is the most accurate method with the measurements i've got? I've set the new one up as best as possible measures 148.5 from the tippex marks on the longest stretch (from TRE to Inner tie rod). But when you measure from the edge of the inner tie rod to the tippex mark on TRE its about 3mm out. So i have a bit of a dilemma which measurement is most accurate? Sorry for being so long winded explaining this but couldn't think of any other way. I've stopped for lunch having a think about it not done one of these for about 2yrs so a bit rusty. Lol

Any help or advice appreciated

[jasper5]

Assuming the locknut hasn't moved or you marked it accurately.....

Turn the track rod end and count the number of turns before it falls off the thread, then screw the new one on the same number of turns, moving the lock nut if required.

I've used this method for 40 years without a problem.

[marco2002]

If only i had thought of counting the number of turns before it came off the thread to late now!i counted the no of threads exposed but like i said the new rod end which was delphi is slightly different to the new one which is firstline. I'll remember that for next time. The rubber boot was all perished so it had to be done. I will have to go with my measurements i made until i can get the tracking done Jasper. Will need a decent 4 wheel alignment costs £60. but will be worth it

[marco2002]

I went back to the beginning put the old track rod end back on counted no of turns off. Luckily i could see where it was originally as one end was bone dry and checked my measurements as well it was very close. Did same thing with new one and checked measurements. Off for test drive after tea. Wheel alignment at weekend if i can get it booked in. Thanks

[6speedmanual]

If the tre's threaded bit is a different length, it will take a different number of turns to install.

I would scribe a line across the diameter of the cap at the back of the ball cup housing at 90 degrees to the trackrod. Then measure from there.

Still worth getting the tracking check though because if the tracking is set with worn tre then it may be out anyway.

Peter

[jasper5]

If the tre's threaded bit is a different length, it will take a different number of turns to install.

I would scribe a line across the diameter of the cap at the back of the ball cup housing at 90 degrees to the trackrod. Then measure from there.

Still worth getting the tracking check though because if the tracking is set with worn tre then it may be out anyway.

Peter

You missed the point a little there.

Marco was looking for a method that would get the track rod end fitted as close as possible to the old one before taking it in for tracking, counting the number of turns is a very quick, easy way of fitting a track rod end close to where the old one was fitted before the tracking is set.

You ALWAYS get the tracking checked after replacing a track rod end.