Does anyone have any advice on the best way to remove rusty track rod ends - I've tried every methind possibly, including the old 'pu it in a vice and t**t it' method. I've also been spraying WD40 on them to hopefully loosen things up - no joy

Would heating them up help?

Heat then up if u can. Have u put in on something hard and hit it all the way round? This often frees them up.

I'll try bashing them about tomorrow then - and if not, I've got an excuse to buy a blow torch at the weekend!

Take a grinder to it - That Works!

Buy some new track rod ends?? They'll probably cost you less than a blow torch

Phil

That's my last resort option - using my dremel cut off disc to carefully cut the nut and TRE off.

Is there anywhere that sells aftermarket steering rods (reasonably priced) - the best option would be some nice shiney new items with nice shiney new TRE's.

forget WD40, use "plus gas", fantastic stuff, you can usually get it from Halfords as well

I have always found a blob of weld from my mig welder does wonders at warming up/loosening nuts.....

quote:

---

Originally posted by MikeR
forget WD40, use "plus gas", fantastic stuff, you can usually get it from Halfords as well

---

To be honest, I try and avoid Halfrauds at all costs - I'd rather find a local trader and keep them in business!

Does anyone know if you can gget brand new aftermarket streering track rods (the rods themselves, not just the ball joints) - if they're not too expensive, I'd rather have the shiney new option any day!

Electrolysis. See the light!

This is the single best thing I've ever found out! (quote!)

This is the way, try it, you wont look back.

http://locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=9158

I've read about this a few times and am tempted to give it a go. I suppose the question is whether this method will unstick seized nuts/TRE's. If so, I'll give it a whirl

You have unlocked the lock nut haven't you? I've never had a lot of trouble with track rods even though they look dog rough. There's a flat on the track rod end so you can get a spanner or Mole grip on it while you back the lock nut off a couple of flats. It's cheaper and easier to get a recon rack than trying to find parts for an old one. Mine was about £20 exchange for a Mk2 Escort rack.

That's the problem - I can't seem to get the locking nut turned back. I've been trying all week and soaking in WD40 every time in a hope it'll penetrate the rust and loosen things up.

I guess just perserverence while getting on with other things will eventually work

Hi Stevie,I'm not sure what you are trying to save,seeing as a new sierra steering rack is about £25 fully reconned with new track rods,and you need to buy a pair of new TRE's anyway.
I bought my rack about four years ago for £18 from local discount shop at Trade price admittedly.
If you get daft prices i'll price them up around Donny at Trade for you.

Dean.

[Edited on 10/9/06 by DEAN C.]

Might have to be an option.

All I'm trying to do is get the old TRE's off the extentions so I can put the new one's on. I've now done everything possible and getting no-where!

Sod it - £12+VAT for new rods, that'll do and to hell with the messing around!

[Edited on 13/9/06 by StevieB]