Track Rod Arms - Removal

[jimbob 3]

HELP!!!

 

I am trying to remove the track rod arms from my rack its not currently on the car and I don't have access to the specific pug tool although I did try my local dealer

 

Is there a sneaky trick to getting them off as I'm having no luck with a set of grips

 

Thanks

[allye 530 3 Cars]

Use the correct sizes spanner on the rack? Failing that get some heat to it if you can.

[welshpug 1,655]

I used stilsons or water pump pliers, no issues at all, they weren't that tight once initially loosened.

[calvinhorse 870]

Mine were an absolute bitch, i left the rod end in the hub and turned the arm off the rod using big molegrips, spraying it with WD40.

 

As said it's easier with heat (if you've got it)

[jimbob 3]

Thanks for the advice guys I'm gonna go fight with it some more today

[Tom Fenton 1,540]

Lets just clarify here. You are trying to take the complete steering arms off the rack yes?

 

If so, get the rack in a vice then get a pair of Stilsons minimum 12" pref 18", and undo them. No heat should be needed as the joint lives within the boot so is covered in grease and protected from the elements. Once you have got them moving past the lock washer they will unscrew by hand.

[jimbob 3]

I won, thank you for the help.

 

I was originally trying to do it before fitting the rack and had no way to hold it but used a spare subframe grips and the handle of my jack and off she came - bish bash bosh.

[Mac Crash 78 1 Cars]

I'm replacing both track rod ends on the car, o/s presented little problem, done - working on the n/s now, lock nut is free and moved back off, track rod is disconnected from the hub but can't unscrew the track rod from the steering rod that it screws into, the o/s unscrewed easily... I've tried heating the rod with a hand held gas gun but still no luck, the vise grips can't get enough hold on the rod as in the rod keeps turning despite the vise grips, car is jacked up outside as I write and thunder storm is heading this way, wife wants to go shopping (have works van) and the 205's MOT is due yesterday, need your help please, thanks!

[welshpug 1,655]

stilsons are the answer, pop the balljoint back in the hub.

[Slo 283 1 Cars]

2 pairs of stilsons would be even better if gripped on properly there is no way they can slip you may struggle to fit them under the arch though if you use a big one

[johnhenry 20]

my mate had this tool that meant the arms could be removed from the rack in the car, he was known to have this piece of kit that worked amazingly and everyone borrowed it that needed to do the job as it saved hours of work! ill dig through my photo's tonight as i was/am very tempted to get one fabricated/advertised

 

EDIT - what it did

It had 4 screws that were in a hole large enough to grip the ball when tightened, then just had a 3/8 or 1/2 attachment on the end, on went the wrench and yeah 10 minutes later both were done

Edited August 3, 2013 by johnhenry

[Tom Fenton 1,540]

No special tool required, as per above a pair of 12's have removed countless track rods for me over the years. The 205 is one of the easier cars to do as well, as access is good.

[Mac Crash 78 1 Cars]

thanks lads, I think I was miffed because the o/s one came off so easily - anyway job done, I left ball joint on the hub/steering arm and used rothenberger stilsons, medium size, to eventually get the rod moving, then it was straightforward enough, took some heat though and a rigger boot braced onto the car and a bit of strength to move it.

 

Regarding toe out setting... 1/8th of an inch sound okay?

[Biggles 65]

Hi,

 

Can I just clarify this procedure is the same for a PAS rack ... rack in the vice, stilsons on the inner and just wind it out ...

 

Can I reuse the lock washer when replacing ? If not, are they still available (Servicebox seems to suggest to me PAS and non PAS are different but doesn't then give a PAS option (unless I'm reading it wrong) ...)

 

Thanks.

[barneys66 122 1 Cars]

I'm about to put new Delphi rod assemblies on my Xsara rack and see they come with a lock washer and another thicker washer with two raised humps on it.

 

The lock washer is pretty obvious, but can anyone tell me the orientation of the other washer; is it humps against the lock washer or the rack?

 

It may well be in the Haynes manual, but if not I don't to get to the workshop tomorrow and be stuck (no internet there!).

 

Thanks all

[welshpug 1,655]

xsara rack doesn't use the washers, just threadlock

[barneys66 122 1 Cars]

xsara rack doesn't use the washers, just threadlock

Problem solved then! Thanks Mei