hi guys one of my track rod ends has me going mad because of the sqweaking so i’ve decided to change it…i never done the job so im wondering if theres any guides about? thanks!
charlie
Very easy. First, determine which track rod end you need; there are two types. The version intended for the S-Special, is designed for lowered cars, and corrects the steering geometry (actually reduces bump steer). The S-Special part is 8AN2-32-280. The S-Specials were about 10mm lower than stock. If you’ve lowered the car, might be a good idea to fit these. The standard part is 8AN1-32-280 (same as for the Mk2). SFT are listing the genuine parts a lot cheaper than MX5parts, and they can get the S-Spec part (actually, way back, the original owner of SFT ordered a ton of S-Spec TREs by mistake…).
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Jack up the car, and support safely. Remove wheel.
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Loosen the 17mm nut on the track rod; use a 12mm to keep the track rod end steady. You may need WD40 etc.
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Mark off the the thread on the track rod with paint, tippex.
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Remove the castellated nut from the trackrod end. There should be a split pin locking it. Genuine Mazda trackrod ends come with new nuts and split pins. Who knows what the patterned junk will come with.
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Use a ball joint splitter to pop the joint. Greasing the end of the splitter lessens the chances that the rubber boot is damaged.
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Unscrew the track rod end. Refit the new one to the painted marks you made on the track rod. Put it all back together.
oh wow i didnt realise there was different types… that might be the reason its gone as my car is a lot lower then stock a trip to mazda this weekend then i guess!
charlie
Probably not the reason.
The S-Spec part is Japan only; a Mazda dealer who can order parts using Roadster VINs can get it, allowing for about a week for delivery. Not all dealers can do this. And you have to find a dealer willing to order based on a part number you give them, even though its not the original part fitted to your car.
What makes you think a TRE has gone I have not heard of a TRE squeaking before a TRE wear usually manifests its self with excessive tyre wear either in side or out side egde of tyre not a squeak, is the rubber boot split this would over time allow dirt incress to the ball joint and cause premature wear, and shouls be changed.I would ask some one to move the steering left and right whilst you look at each TRE in turn to see if there is any wear evident, of it your car has power steering please have the engine running on tick over while checking(move the sterring wheel at least half a trun in each direction.Any movement at the TRE it should be replaced. Are you looking at a dry suspension bush ?
Once and if you change the TRE I would advise you have the steering track checked and adjusted, usually a tyre company will do this for you, they will also check your steering for you if you do so wish or take the car to your trusted garage.
Alan
it has taken me a while to isolate the location of the sqweak but i done it through feel in the end due to the vibration… i even took the steering rack boots off to look inside to see if they were dry, i figured in the end thwt it was the track rod after i smothered it in wd40…after 100 miles it come back so i can only assume my agressive change in ride height could of nackered it a lot faster
charlie
check out http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/36142.aspx for a video of it!
charlie
changed the track rod ends, i tried to align them as much as possible, assumeing my last alignment was correct but just to make sure i took them to my local garage to just get the front done, waited bloody 45 mins and they couldent get the things under the arches!!!
Charlie
Invest in a Gunson Trakrite and do it yourself, then you know it is done properly! Many garages only adjust one wheel, and do not take the time and pains the job requires, result, the steering wheel is off centre and the wheels are crabbing. I have used many different types of aligning equipment over the years and found the trakrite to be extremely accurate and equally as good as some very expensive professional tools. It will align the wheels independently. A first rate piece of equipment in my opinion. Using the trakrite, a camber gauge and patience, four wheel alignment is perfecly possible.
Regards Geoff Peace.
Tempting!! 120 quid though…
Charlie
I think you are looking at the new laser gauge of Gunsons. I mean the drive over plate, I have just had a quick look and the price at Amazon is £57.10 and on ebay around £40 far more reasonable!
Regards Geoff Peace.
i got both yesterday! it was toe in about 30 min’s, was a bit confusing as i adjusted it a few times, but im guessing tightening / loosening each end times the effect by 2… not sure how its at atm but it feels a lot better!
Charlie