Track Rods

[Faraday]

Hi, having taken her in to have the geometry set up this morning, (to no avail) I find that the bar that links the track rod end to the steering rack, (which I am assuming is called a track rod or tie rod) is so badly corroded that I need a pair of new ones. So far I understand that they are only sold as a complete steering rack so have not been able to source them. Does anyone know is there another make that is compatible, or does anyone have one in the shed that I can borrow to have new ones made up, or isn't it that simple? (Have sourced new track rod ends from Sj's). Many thanks

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Track rod ends are on sale at the Aftersales list (So are the upper and lower ball joints). The track rod ends are GBP18.00 each: (A100H6024S, Outer Ball Joint). Follow the directions under Elan Parts For Sale.

The track rods have never been a separate part. Bellows are available and the Service Manual describes the replacement process, but they are not listed in the parts book.

You don't say if you have a Power Steering car or not but there are cars being broken on eBay regularly and you don't have to pay ful retail at DVB or SJs for the parts on the Aftersales list.

The LHD S2 rack: (G100H0003F Rack Assy LHD PAS (S2)) is still available for GBP175.00 and it would have the track rods, ball joints and bellows, so might be a consideration?

[lotuska]

I have replaced both track rods on my Elan over the years, dead easy to remove, all you need to do is move the bellows out of the way and use either a large spanner or pipe wrench to undo. I just take it off and go to a local steering rack overhaul company (use google to find one near you), who are then able to match the threads and length, I have a vague memory that the guy said it was similar to a Ford Fiesta, but I wouldn't go on that...