How long SHOULD it take to change both Track Rod Ends?

[Kaptain Klang]

Please note the capitalised "Should", because I'm a Nihilist my nature tends towards the worst case scenario. Also, are there any hints/tricks/tips/shortcuts anyone can give me that make the job easier? I am a Mechanical Luddite.

 

[Jen319]

Well.....it took my dad about 20 - 30 minutes each side when he did the Track rod ends on my K12 (and he's done mums too)
....but he's an ex-naval engineer...so... handy with a spanner

get the tracking checked after you've changed them ^_^

try to count the rotations when taking off the old end so you can line up the new one fairly closely to how the old one was....if that makes sense

.....that is the sum total of my track rod end knowledge.... good luck

 

[Kaptain Klang]

Well, I did it! I feel quite pleased with myself because it took less than 90 minutes even WITH the break for advice from a more competent Spannerman than I. Now there are NO more nasty vibrations from the front end!

 

[funky2nite]

Im gonna be doing mine thanks to the motivation from this forum...darn me i changed wishbones instead and didnt see much diff...somehow got to believe thast the crazy steering upo going over potholes was linked to worn wishbones..now i learnt thast 99% its the tie rod ends.

I have movement horizontally in the front wheels when jacked.butnot as much as the car i saw on a youtube tutorial..and i have no vertical movement in the wheels

 

[Kaptain Klang]

It only takes about 3mm of movement to make the steering rattle. Mine has been much nicer since I did them.

 

[McMicra]

track rod ends about 5 mins each side tbh, then drive it off to get tracking done

 

[h701micra]

Have you tightened your drive shaft nuts up?

I know someone who forgot and experienced wheel wobble
Thankfully the the split pin was in...

 

[Kaptain Klang]

These ones have Nylock nuts on them, and yes I did. I do have my moments (It's my age, you know ), but when it comes to brakes and steering I pay CLOSE attention

 

[h701micra]

Mine was... I'll leave it like that while I just do this.

Now I post-it note my steering wheel

 

[Guy]

Just a quick hint from someone else who's done this job, if they're stuck whack the knuckle with a hammer, not the T.R.E. The vibration will get them out a lot faster .