Track rod ends

[Stef]

Now I'm really delving in to the unknown!

After Blipi's service yesterday a few things have cropped up and one was her offside track rod ends, they have a bit of play apparently.

This is why my tyres are rubbing on the sides they say.

So... What are they? What's best to do? and everything else

Has anyone had this problem before and can assist in what to do?

Thanks!

[RayD]

So... What are they?

Stef,

On the question of what they are...

They are fitted, one at each end of the steering rack to give a flexible joint between the stationary rack and the moving wheel.

The red part is a ball and joint socket; a bit like your hip... it’s this part which wears over time, a bit like your hip.

The threaded part of the track rod and the locking nut supply the means to have the wheels pointing slightly inwards...(Tracking) it’s this that keeps the car going in a straight line when you take your hands off the wheel. It will need to be re-done at the garage after the track rod ends have been changed.

This, and the problems getting the track rod off in the first place usually mean it’s better to book it in somewhere.

Ray

[Stef]

Ah... yeah, I know the bits now! Cheers!

Seconda part then... Best place to get some?

With my Cambelt bits required I'm looking to Rock Auto. Has anyone had to order these bits or know the best deal?

Blipi will be costing me a small fortune to sort her out but all must be done before the Diamond Anniversary!

[Doug]

Seconda part then... Best place to get some?

c'mon, you know it will be at the Lotus Diamond Gala

[Sy V]

...a bit like your hip...

What! Child bearing... ?

[Stef]

I have wheel bearings but not any children!

[Sy V]

[Stef]

Back to the point again, where is the best place to order these and are they side specific etc?

[Freelander]

Hi Stef,

Just done the exact same replacement of the track rod ends.
The cross reference parts are Vectra / Carlton - non handed and commonly available from motor factors - price approx £10 each incl VAT
The Land Rover and Fiesta references given elsewhere are incorrect.

I used Delphi - will post part nos later today.

As for doing the work - get a ball joint seperator - Machine Mart @ £5 plus a large mole grip - for the track rod and WD40 for the lock nut - otherwise straight forward (dependent on the extent of corrosion) but allow an hour each side and a handful of bruised knuckles.

The car will need tracking realignment / checking afterwards.

[Freelander]

Hi Stef,

Track rod ends - Part No Delphi TA 1529 = Quinton Hazell QR2518S

John

[GeoffSmith]

John, the Delphi and QH numbers seem to tally, but QH list the application as Mercedes Benz. Any idea which Carlton/Vectra?

[Stef]

Thanks for your help, not as expensive as I thought they would be but clarification as per GeoffSmith would be appreciated before I get ordering.

As for doing it myself... The garage is getting the job lot of cambelt, tracking rods and the other odds and sods. JB could probably do it but neither of us have the time or patience!

[Freelander]

Whoops - typo alert - dyslexia strikes again!

The actual part no is Delphi TA1592 xref to Quinton Hazell QR 3167S
applicable to Vectra 95-02 and Saab 97 - 01.

Sorry for the confusion and I don't blame you for passing this job onto your mechanic.

[GeoffSmith]

Thanks for that John.

[Stef]

Thanks again guys.

However I have one last query, call me dumb but I can't find who you mean by 'Delphi' Google seem to give me software type links.

Sorry to be a pain...

[dapinky]

Lots on flea-bay!

vectra track rod ends

[GeoffSmith]

And committed to the Wiki.

[GeoffSmith]

Google seem to give me software type links.

Steph, this Delphi not that Delphi.

[Stef]

Many thanks everyone!

[Paul.P]

Many thanks everyone!

If you really want to thank all us MEN for helping you out the shite again, change that degrading statement at the bottom of your posts, just shows how sexist you are