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#1 Torque spanner setting for track rod ends?
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:44 pm
by Shaguar
Car went in for MOT last week and failed on excessive play on the track (tie) rod ends. I've ordered the parts from SNG but my question to the group is what the Torque setting for tightening the nuts back is. I've looked through my softcopy service manuals and although it refers to the settings for other steering components it doesn't to these.
Thanks in advance for any help.
#2
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:50 pm
by christopher storey
These are not torque critical, and being a nut you can only put open ended spanners on, there is no way of using a torque wrench. Just do them up reasonably tight so that the track rod cannot rotate
#3
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:19 pm
by Moeregaard
There is a specific tightness that is measured using a fish scale attached to the end of the track rod. I'm supposed to be working right now and my manual is not here, but I'll look it up tonight and post the information.
Why does work always intrude on the fun stuff?
#4
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 4:10 am
by Moeregaard
As promised, here is the process for setting track-rod ball-joint tension. This is taken from the Robert Bentley manual:
"Attach a spring balance to the outer ball joint (track-rod end) and adjust the ball housing until the tie rod will articulate under a load of 7 lbs. (3.18 Kg) applied at the spring balance. Fully tighten the housing locknut and secure in position by bending the tabs of the washer. Apply a generous coating of grease to the ball housings."
The relevant sketch shows the balance hooked onto the grease fitting.
My two cents: Always use new tab washers any time these components are reassembled.
#5
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:12 am
by christopher storey
Moeregard : I think we are talking about different ball joints here . Your measurement is for setting the stiffness of the inboard end where the rod attaches to the rack. Shaguar is talking ( I think ) about the locknuts locking the track rod end to the track tod
#6
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:03 pm
by Moeregaard
OOPS! My bad. I don't know of any specified torque value for the track-rod ends' stop nuts. I just run them up until it feels right. I've never had a problem with looseness out there. I have seen the gland nut that secures the track rod to the rack loosen, and this was usually the result of someone re-using or omitting the tab washer.