Track rod end... :(

[Beddo88]

So having just fitted the new bearing and solved one problem.. i've taken a shotgun and removed one of my feet.

On removing the hub from the car it turned out the track rod end was rather knaackered. (O/S adjustable) Managed to remove the rod end eventually (with alot of expletives) but the nut which is *meant* to be loosened to allow its removal is stuck VERY tight. LIterally cannot remove it. As the new arm is slightly longer (about 2mm) the tracking is out and its a dog to drive.

Can i buy the rod itself seperately? And is it easy to fit? (dont know anything about the steering system on a rocco)

Alternatively anyone have a good method for moving rusted-on nuts?

I've tried brute strength, ignorance, alot of blow torch mixed with some nitrogen based rust loosener, hammers etc all to no avail.

Hope you guys can help! Dan

[lenny125]

You can take the track rod off the rack, but it is a bit of a bugger to do as there is not much space. You need an adjustable spanner to get onto the track rod to undo it from the rack. If you take the rack gaiter off it will all become clear to what you need to take off. Plus you can get new track rods from GSF part number is 435VG0320.

I hope this helps

[Brunty]

I've had the same problem, but I'd try a LOT more blow torch action, you want it glowing cherry red. It'll crack off given enough heat, WD40, heat etc...

[Funky Diver]

Alternatively... a nut splitter.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NUT-SPLITTER-2-pc ... 2eab61b63b

[Beddo88]

Cool, nut splitter looks good, i was just gunna use a cold chisel on it. I dont think the blowtorch i've got gets it hot enough, might need some new gas. managed to get parts of it to turn tinges of blue that was about it. And replacing the track rod does sound like a bit of hassle.

Does anyone know where i can get a new nut for it? (stupid as it sounds.. i cant find any that fit!!)

[Funky Diver]

Did you not get one with the track rod end?

[Nate]

Alternatively... a nut splitter.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NUT-SPLITTER-2-pc ... 2eab61b63b

ill 2nd this! had a similar problem on the jinxed pissrat last year. i tried lots of brute force and ignorance with a 3 foot stilsons, and just ended up removing the thread from the rod and needing to take the rack off to replace them. nut spliter would have ben so much easier. word of warning though - don't buy a silverline one. they are pants!

[Funky Diver]

The one sold in my local Unipart was the one I got, cost about a tenner (but then I get stuff at trade)

[Beddo88]

Ok... so its sound like an excellent plan would be a nut splitter and lots of heat?!

Funky Driver, No it was only the track rod end that i got. Quite annoying really!!

[Nate]

one of these. goes over the nut then you tighten the hex on the end and it pushes the chisel point thru the nut to open it up into a C shape so you can pull it off. if it's really stubborn you can split both sides. no heat should be required

[Beddo88]

Oh right cool. In that case i shall try and find one!

[Beddo88]

Ok problem solved. Just need to find me a new nut now...

[Funky Diver]

what did you do in the end?

[Beddo88]

Oh sorry, i hacksawed through most of the nut, then used a chisel to split what remained of it. (i'm aware this was frought with rod bending danger.. but it was free to do! and required little force to split what remained of the nut). Hammered the nut back together as it had only opened slightly, and have used it as a very short term measure to ensure the track rod doesnt come undone.

Hence the need for a suitable replacement nut! All done for the price of (what will be) a new nut. Track rods fine.