Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod end?!

[jjbunn]

I need to replace the steering boots. I've read a lot about how to do it, but one aspect is not 100% clear to me. Where do I unscrew the nut that holds the tie rod end?

To check, in this photo, is the tie rod end nut the one I have soaked in PB Blaster?

 

[DrEntropy]

Yep. One wrench on the flats of the ball joint, one on the nut. Heat can help, a heat lamp or a conventional floodlamp will do. Keep applying PB to it.

 

[jjbunn]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Yep. One wrench on the flats of the ball joint, one on the nut. Heat can help, a heat lamp or a conventional floodlamp will do. Keep applying PB to it.

Thanks Doc!

 

[rick_ingram]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Julian...

I commend you on the work ethic and dilligence that you have shown on this MGB/GT!

You have accomplished a lot of tasks; have taken on projects that other "novices" would run away from; have no fear of asking questions (and remember, there are NO stupid questions!)...the list goes on!

You have become a true MG enthusiast of the highest caliber.

Can I borrow some of the spare energy that you have certainly have stored away?! I could use some of that drive myself!

Sincerest regards....

 

[tdskip]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Make sure to count how many turns it takes to remove each tie rod!

It can take a lot of force to loosen the lock nut if they are good and stuck.

You might want to consider new tie rod ends - they are cheap and chances are your old ones are shot.

Pre-stretching your new steering rack boots will make life a LOT easier as well.

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Julian, if you haven't read my "scribe" method for repositioning the tie-rods, do a search to hunt it down. Especially if you decide to change the rod ends. Tho they're stout and rarely go bad.

 

[100DashSix]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Regarding the locknut, Julian, I recently tackled the same job as you and posted on the forum for some help; perhaps the thread https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/u...true#Post234000 will help if you encounter the same problem.

Another tricky part was getting the tie rod end to seperate from the wheel. I had to buy a properly-sized 'pickle fork,' and many, many hammer blows later it popped out. Avoid ripping the rubber boot where the tie rod end attaches to the wheel..

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

He can replace the boots by unwinding the rods from the joints. No need to whack the joints from the steernig arms unless the joints are 'sloppy' loose.

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

I'ts not necessary to separate the tie rod end from the spindle to change the boot. Merely mark the position of the jam nut, as Doc has referenced, and unscrew the tie rod from the end. Remove the nut, change the boot, and............Wait for it............................
Installation is the reverse of removal.
Jeff

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

'magine that!

 

[100DashSix]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Oho! That's a very good point...would've made life a bit easier, had I thought of that.

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Ya see. Us lazy folk can always figure out the easiest way to get something done! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

...or get something "not done" in my case. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

WTCM's is.................................... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
Jeff

 

[jjbunn]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Thanks to everyone, as usual, for the tips and advice.

And thanks to Rick for the very kind words: if it wasn't for you guys on the forum I would be lost ... it's the advice, interest and warm encouragement here that is highly motivational /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[jjbunn]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

Before disassembly, if I scribe a mark at "A" (see photo):

and measure precisely the distance between A and B, then when I re-assemble, if I adjust the nut so that the distance is preserved, will that do the trick? Or have I misunderstood?

 

[DrEntropy]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

That'll work perfectly! If you were changing the ball joints it would be better to use the center-bottom of the tapered joint, where it is attached by a nut as there can be some differences in the shoulder lengths of joints (for future reference /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif ).

 

[jlaird]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

have you guys thought about writeing a book?

 

[rick_ingram]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

You're welcome.

Welcome to the commaradarie!

 

[100DashSix]

Re: Another Beginner Question: is this a tie rod e

I know I'd buy a book written by BCF members... and some of the proceeds could go back to the forum itself, in return for advertising.