Loose track-rod - not the ball joint!

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: NC
  2. I’m based near: Essex
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: tie rod

Hi all, I replaced my steering rack a few months back and ever since the car has felt skitish on the road. It feels like the track-rod end ball joints are perished but I fitted new track-rod ends so it’s defo not them.

The car has been off the road ever since so today I thought I’d try and fix it and what I found was the offside track road has a bit of play in it but I can’t work out how to get rid of that play. I can’t find any you tube vids on how to fix this. I’m hoping it’s any easy fix! It was a second hand steering rack so possible it’s worn - I just don’t know.

DIYer learning on the job :wink:

I know it needs tracking but don’t want to waste money on that knowing the track rod is loose.

Thanks in advance for any help!

2

What about the track rod itself? It also has a joint on the end that attaches to the steering rack.

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I’ve yet to remove the gaiter to see how the rod attaches to the rack. Looking for advice at the mo but may just remove it tomorrow and take a look.

Just looking for some guidance at the mo as to whether this is adjustable or worn :thinking:

4

Inner tie rod can wear just as the outer tie rod. Just an articulated ball joint. Normally if you jack up the front end and get both wheels off the ground you can grab them with no load on them and give them a wiggle up/down left/right in/out etc to see if there is any play.

5

Ah! Well there’s defo play. Didn’t realise both ends can wear but kinda makes sense! Will look to replace the inner tie rod.

Thanks for your help :+1:

1 Like
6

Worth checking them first before changing anything else :+1: