Hi guys,

Following on from my previous post about the problems i was having with track rod ends i have two ways.

One way uses the BMW track rod end, but it is far too long, and has the wrong thread, but fits in the taper on the upright.

The second way is using escort TREs with extensions, but the problem here is it doesnt fit in the taper, the escort taper is too small, but i was thinking mabye a spacer between the upright taper, and the TRE taper to make it fit?

The extensions are too long, but thats easy to remedy by either drilling and tapping out the extensions a bit more, or chopping off the ends of the rack.

What do we all think? here are some pics:

how about rod ends?

Just a thought and will probably be shot down but what about drilling out the taper to parallel and use a Rose joint?

Ah, great minds. I was just beaten to it!

thats how mine's done

HHmmm interesting, what sort of price am i looking at for a pair or rod ends with bolts and the lot?

Theyll need those top hat things aswell wont they?

another option would be to cut and tap the rack to the correct thread. Depends how much you would want to trust it.


Or as above.

Or get the hub reamed out to the correct taper.

cant get the hub reamed out, the hole is bigger than the escort TRE.

It would need quite a bit chopping, and im not sure id trust it, would rather do something off the shelf than have to modify the rack too much.

have a look at honda civic esi ones they look about the size you need i can put a tape on one tomorrow when iam at the unit.
adam

do you know the size of the taper?

anyone got any opinions about cutting the bmw rod ends up and wekding on a new threaded bit with the right threads?

Get the extensions drilled and taped... I'd not trust re-threading the rack tie rods, they are rolled threads..

Dan

Rod Ends...

less than £30 (rough guess for everything inc del.)

Ask this kit car manufacturer. They make a BMW based '7'.

http://www.gkdsportscars.com/index.html

quote:

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Originally posted by Miks15
anyone got any opinions about cutting the bmw rod ends up and wekding on a new threaded bit with the right threads?

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find a spare hour or so and head off to the motor factors and ask to view their track rod catalouge.

one of them, I forget which, provides data on the taper as well as thread.

if you are looking at escort M14 - then there is a choice, not huge - if you want longer ones, same tpaer then volvo 850 and that tiny vauxhall/japanese van thing has them.

..... but price wise, it will be just as expsnive as the rose joint suggestion.

can you not buy, make or get made extensions, for the arms?

I took that route, had to take off 10 mm or so for the amrs but jobs a good 'un.

Any welding of the track rod or the end is an instant IVA/MOT fail afaik. Probably without the option of driving it home from the test.

You can't extend threads on track rods with a die as they are rolled on (as said ^^^)

Rod ends are probably the cheapest solution (though not ideal for a road car that is intended to do lots of miles).

http://www.mcgillmotorsports.co.uk/ is one of the better suppliers and should be able to guide you to the best price/specification for your needs.

didnt you want me to make a taper adaptor for you??

civic esi + 175mm from end to the center of the taper, taper is 12.5mm at the top just after the thread.
adam