Track rod ends.

sniperman

im about to put 2 new track rod ends on a 07 fiesta,i had the tracking done 4 weeks ago,so if i put the new ends on exactly the same threads as the old,will i need to get it tracked again?

Tropheus

It's best to get the tracking done. I tried counting the turns when I did mine a few years ago and it didn't work for me. The tracking was noticably out and I had to get it done.

It could also depend on how old your tyres are. If it feels ok after the job and your tyres are past 50% wear, it may be worth taking a chance. If they're newish, it's best to not chance it and spend the €30-40 to get them done properly.

sniperman

Tropheus wrote: »

It's best to get the tracking done. I tried counting the turns when I did mine a few years ago and it didn't work for me. The tracking was noticably out and I had to get it done.

It could also depend on how old your tyres are. If it feels ok after the job and your tyres are past 50% wear, it may be worth taking a chance. If they're newish, it's best to not chance it and spend the €30-40 to get them done properly.

thanks,the tyres are about 50% worn,how would i know if it needs tracking after the new ends are in?

martinr5232

sniperman wrote:

im about to put 2 new track rod ends on a 07 fiesta,i had the tracking done 4 weeks ago,so if i put the new ends on exactly the same threads as the old,will i need to get it tracked again?

Why are you replacing track rod ends if it was tracked 4 weeks ago ??
Its not possible to track a vehicle with worn track rod ends !!

Answer to your question is yes it will need alignment. If you want it to be right.

martyc5674

Is there play in the track rod ends to say your replacing them?

If you measure accurately the distance from centre of ball joint to where the track rod meets the inner track rod, and replicate on rebuild, you’ll be very close IME. ( you’d need to be accurate to about .5mm... a regular vernier caliper should be long enough on a fiesta )
Then get it done next time your putting tyres on it.
I’ve done it using string down each side of the car with very accurate results.. it’s a ball ache though so only did it when strapped for cash.
Marty.

colm_mcm

The latest trend for NCT is that they’re failing on track rod end dust covers.

martinr5232

colm_mcm wrote:

The latest trend for NCT is that they’re failing on track rod end dust covers.

Only if they are leaking.

colm_mcm

martinr5232 wrote: »

Only if they are leaking.

Anecdotally I’ve been told it’s something that’s come out of nowhere in limerick anyway. They failed mine for excessive wear (on covers) despite them not leaking

martinr5232

colm_mcm wrote:

Anecdotally I’ve been told it’s something that’s come out of nowhere in limerick anyway. They failed mine for excessive wear (on covers) despite them not leaking

Wouldnt doubt it but every one of them have perished boots so its easy money. Shouldnt fail if they are not worn or leaking.

Tropheus

sniperman wrote: »

thanks,the tyres are about 50% worn,how would i know if it needs tracking after the new ends are in?

You'll generally notice it when doing slow tight turns. You'll feel a wheel dragging. At least I did, but my car is an Audi allroad and weighs 2.5 tonnes. A Fiesta may be different.

my3cents

Had track rod ends replaced on a Focus by a decent mechanic and told to get tracking done, knew it was needed but even with everything screwed back exactly as before tracking was all over the place on the drive home. Certainly wouldn't have passed an NCT without tracking doing.

SCOOP 64

My OSF failed NCT last week,dust covers looked ok, but slight leak.
that's the easier of the jobs ,brake line corrosion, and cant read vin number due to corrosion,been like that at least 6 years, they noticed it now.

sniperman

martinr5232 wrote: »

Why are you replacing track rod ends if it was tracked 4 weeks ago ??
Its not possible to track a vehicle with worn track rod ends !!

Answer to your question is yes it will need alignment. If you want it to be right.

well things do break/ware out,but having said that the garage that tracked it should have noticed any ware,it will be going back to them when the rods are done,and ill be asking

opus

colm_mcm wrote: »

The latest trend for NCT is that they’re failing on track rod end dust covers.

I got failed on exactly that but my mechanic had to replace the whole rod as they were crimped on & rusty, he showed me what he took off which was in perfect nick so pretty much a cosmetic change only. The new rod has a lip so easy to replace the dust covers but given the car lasted 14 years with the originals don't think I'll have to worry about it again.