Alfa 156 inner tie rods - part of steering rack?

Stheno

NCTed my 156 today, and despite what I thought it passed on emissions despite a dodgy thermostat, which keeps the engine temp really low, and for some unknown reason the warning light about the airbag being on, was ignored, even asked the guy at the end and he said he didn't notice it. :rolleyes:

However, my thinking that there was something funny with the suspension/steering was right, and it turns out that both inner tie rods on the front are worn to the point of it being a fail.

I'm trying to figure out if they can be replaced without replacing the steering rack (I'd the bushes go about 18 months ago and you had to either recondition/replace the steering rack as they were part of it) my thinking is that as the rack was reconditioned and the bushes/rack passed the test today, that they are seperated and can be bought and replaced without replacing the steering rack.

Any thoughts?

smokie2008

On most cars you can just buy the innner tie rod ends for approx 25-30e in the motor factors and they are easy enough to fit.

taintabird

Stheno wrote: »

NCTed my 156 today, and despite what I thought it passed on emissions despite a dodgy thermostat, which keeps the engine temp really low, and for some unknown reason the warning light about the airbag being on, was ignored, even asked the guy at the end and he said he didn't notice it. :rolleyes:

However, my thinking that there was something funny with the suspension/steering was right, and it turns out that both inner tie rods on the front are worn to the point of it being a fail.

I'm trying to figure out if they can be replaced without replacing the steering rack (I'd the bushes go about 18 months ago and you had to either recondition/replace the steering rack as they were part of it) my thinking is that as the rack was reconditioned and the bushes/rack passed the test today, that they are seperated and can be bought and replaced without replacing the steering rack.

Any thoughts?

Yes they can be replaced without replacing the rack probably cost about €30+ vat each I would think

Stheno

Thanks guys, I was thinking they must be seperate, given the reconditioning.

My mechanic is going to check it on Monday, but still good to hear.

Was delighted nothing more serious came up on the test, despite the results, my mechanic is still going to look at the thermostat!

Esel

Stheno wrote: »

.... my mechanic is still going to look at the thermostat!

What about the airbag problem? :eek:

Veloce

Stheno wrote: »

despite what I thought it passed on emissions despite a dodgy thermostat, which keeps the engine temp really low, and for some unknown reason the warning light about the airbag being on, was ignored, even asked the guy at the end and he said he didn't notice it.

Thermostat needs replacing- does it get over 70 on the temp gauge?

As for the airbag, its often the connection. Look under the drivers side down above the pedals / bonnet catch you should see a electrical cable there- check to connection to see if its connected fully. Sometimes gets loosened by feet / pedals.

Stheno

Esel wrote: »

What about the airbag problem? :eek:

Yes he's also going to check that, sorry should have said it!

Veloce wrote: »

Thermostat needs replacing- does it get over 70 on the temp gauge?

As for the airbag, its often the connection. Look under the drivers side down above the pedals / bonnet catch you should see a electrical cable there- check to connection to see if its connected fully. Sometimes gets loosened by feet / pedals.

Thermostat is down for replacement, it never goes above 70 unless in very slow moving heavy traffic. I'll check that cable before it goes into him.