Guys.. I have tried a search but couldn't find the answer.. prob using wrong words..
Anyway, what is the thread for the escort track arms.. the nyloc nut.
I am looking for a loan of a tap and die if anyone can help.
Cheers J

Do you mean the track arms? As they only have a normal nut to use as a lock nut on the track rod ends. Or do you mean the actual TRE as that does have a nylock on...

Having got my threads checked i know that the track arm thread on a Mk2 Escort rack is M14x2. On a Mk 1, 1/2"UNF

David

[Edited on 23/2/05 by flak monkey]

are they the same as the Sierra ones? If so they are M14

You need to be clear with definitions here. Do you mean the lock nut that will secure the extension piece onto the track arm (from the steering column) or the lock nut that will hold the track rod end onto the hub/upright?

Ive had a big problem with my Sierra TRE lock nuts. I fitted new ones but gave the nuts to my father so he could get his MK thro SVA. I cant find replacements now. Very strange thread. It measures 10mm OD, thread form very very similar to 1/4 whitworth (this is the only thread guage i have!). Any ideas anyone? This may be the same problem for hornet with his Escort bits. I can always buy new ends, just trying to get the nuts first.

try asking Darren (GTS Cougar) he make extensions for escort arms so he should know the thread. Seem to recall in a couple of places ford use a very strange thread, something like 10x1.5 where 10x1.25 is metric fine and 10x1.75 is metric corse.

(before anyone comments the actual numbers are probably wrong)

get the lock nuts back off your dad! seems simple enough.

if not, i'm sure the dealers won't want an arm and a leg for a pair.

sorry i can't help about escort bits
tom

Hmmm Looks like I didn't make it clear enough..
The one with the Nyloc nut.......
Not the one without the nyloc nut..

In other words..track rod end onto the hub/upright

It is a very fine thread.. could be 10mm fine.. Thanks for help so far guys..

Depends entirely on the make of the track rod end --- I have both 10x1.25 and 10x1.5 die nuts (not split dies) if you need to borrow.

It might be better fitting new Sierra track rods ends which are slightly longer as a few builders have found that once the toe-in is set up the track rod ends aren't screwed on by as many threads as they would like.

M14x2.0 is the thread of a standard Mk2 Escort track rod end.

I have taps and dies for both if you need something fettling.

Kind regards,

Darren
darren@gtstuning.co.uk

Thanks Darren! Thought I was going mad but it wasn't that long ago I tapped out the ends of a rack to suit sierra trackrods, and they were definitely m14, and I used escort track rod ends with them!

Track rod fitting is m14x2 on MK2 Escort --- Mk3+ Cortina, Grandad and Sierra

Mk1 and Mk3 Escort and Fiesta Mk1-2 were 1/2"x20tpi UNF

Guys - i think you are commenting on the wrong end. Hornet is after the thread for the locknut that secures the track rod end onto the hub.
Surely M14 is the thread size for the steering arm itself. Im sure the rod end to hub thread is no more than 10mm (or imperial eqivalent around 3/8".


As a note - i tried to fit the original castellated track rod end nut onto the new aftermarket end and it didnt fit. It is possible that different manufacturers use differnt sized lock nuts just to make it easier for us. I think there is only one easy solution - buy new track rod ends and only tighten up once you are sure everything is ready for SVA (so the nylon lock ring doesnt get mashed up).

Cheers,
Darren.

it may be less confusing if people stop referring to the nuts in question as lock nuts, as their primary aim is not to lock, but to fasten. the nylon does the locking

how about track rod end ball joint nuts or trebjns for short.

and yes, as with most ball joints, different manufacturers use different thread patterns. go to your nearest dixon hall or similar (large trade tool/hardware/fixings store) or dedicated fastener specialist, TRE in hand and say, "2 nyloc nuts for that thread please, infact, while i'm here i might as well have 4"

sorts the problem the easy way, and is cheaper than new TREs just cos you can't get nuts to fit.
hth
tom

[Edited on 21/2/05 by indykid]

Hi guys

Just for info... the thread is 10mm x 1.0mm.
It is the same thread as the caliper brake fittings.
cheers for help. John

so you wanted the thread for the track rod end, not the track arm (which is M14x2!!)