Replacing track rods and the plastic fitting

[AndyPembs182]

I'm looking to replace my inner track rods and have seen lots of posts which refer to a plastic fitting which sometimes needs to be split in order to get the crows foot spanner in there.

I can't seem to find those plastic parts anywhere: could someone point me in the right direction to a supplier?

 

[JamesBryan]

Not sure which bit you mean.

I've never had to split anything to remove them.

 

[AndyPembs182]

 

[AndyPembs182]

The white plastic bushing. The guy who took this photo had to replace it as he split it to get the track rod. He then had to buy a replacement. Unfortunately he posted it in 2012 and I can't contact him now!

 

[JamesBryan]

Ahh that's the bump stops for the rack.

They sit between the inner tie rod and the rack.

Don't know where you can purchase them tbh.

Just be careful and don't split it 😅

 

[AndyPembs182]

Ahh that's the bump stops for the rack.

They sit between the inner tie rod and the rack.

Don't know where you can purchase them tbh.

Just be careful and don't split it 😅

Cheers James - much appreciated!

 

[JamesBryan]

Cheers James - much appreciated!

I use this type of tool that slides over the tie rod and grips it.

28-35mm size you need.

 

[AndyPembs182]

Thanks mate - really appreciate that. Looks like it'll be a job for next weekend - better get that tool ordered up today!

 

[JamesBryan]

Thanks mate - really appreciate that. Looks like it'll be a job for next weekend - better get that tool ordered up today!

Think I paid about £25 for mine off ebay in 2017.

 

[RichValver]

I use this type of tool that slides over the tie rod and grips it.

28-35mm size you need.

View attachment 1514546

Id give this type a go next time I do mine as the crows foot spanner had to be ground down to use it plus was a bit of a faff from My experience

 

[JamesBryan]

Id give this type a go next time I do mine as the crows foot spanner had to be ground down to use it plus was a bit of a faff from My experience

Effortless with that tool.

Plus you can get a torque wrench on it if you're a bit anal about torquing things up.

 

[leeds2592]

I use this type of tool that slides over the tie rod and grips it.

28-35mm size you need.

View attachment 1514546

This.

It's soooo much easier with one of these tools rather than a cut down spanner or whatever.

If you're close to Wakefield, I've still got mine in the garage you could borrow if you want?

 

[clio_ross]

I remember seeing @Dr Jekyll using a viscous fan spanner (I think) to change his tie rods.

I’ve ended up buying both the spanner and the tie rod removal tool for when I tackle this job at somepoint when it comes warms up outside.

Edit: found the page in his project thread:-

Jekyll's RB182 Progress Thread

Great update Mark, glad you finally got sorted on the PMS top mounts. The new aluminium design looks far superior! Very similar to the KTEC ones now. Do you think you'll be getting the pms front strut brace?

cliosport.net

 

[Usr117063]

I remember seeing @Dr Jekyll using a viscous fan spanner (I think) to change his tie rods.

I’ve ended up buying both the spanner and the tie rod removal tool for when I tackle this job at somepoint when it comes warms up outside.

Edit: found the page in his project thread:-

Jekyll's RB182 Progress Thread

Great update Mark, glad you finally got sorted on the PMS top mounts. The new aluminium design looks far superior! Very similar to the KTEC ones now. Do you think you'll be getting the pms front strut brace?

cliosport.net

Laser Fan Spanner 32/36mm | Halfords UK

Shop the latest Laser Fan Spanner 32/36mm is a double ended spanner for Viscous Fan removal. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

What I used. The hard part of this job is putting the gaiter back on

 

[Jekyll]

Yes that's what I used. Done it a few times now over the years and the tool has always worked fine. Been meaning to buy the one James linked to, but forget so just use the fan spanner when doing the change.

As @ZachB said, the hardest part is getting the gaiter back on as its greasy and slippery. A small screwdriver does the trick.

 

[JamesBryan]

Yeah getting the gaiter back on, especially the driver's side, is a bit of a b**ch because of the space above.

 

[Robbie Corbett]

Dead easy if you take the engine out first

 

[barnesautos]

Totally agree with you , so much easier with the engine out .

10 yrs ago .

This time around , not an option .
So literally just purchased this one to replace a broken item.