Track rod ends?

[Callum82]

Since I've had my Mk4 tdi 110 it's been making an odd noise from the front left that has been gradually getting worse especially corning right and braking like a knocking noise you can actually feel. It also pulls to the right slightly.

She's got a measly 148k on her so I wondered if it could be bearings or something so I took it to the local garage for his opinion and he said it was left track rod ends as there is quite a lot of play if you grab the front left wheel and shake it! He said he could get them for £12 a piece and fit them in no time. He also told me to get it done sooner rather than later as it's dangerous.

I looked on Euro Car Parts and they do them at £26.90 a pair after discount.

How hard are they to replace at home? I have tools, axle stands, jack and ramps.

I wouldn't save much but at the moment every penny counts.

If it's an easy enough job, is there a guide knocking about?

Thanks.

[Chris.]

Easy enough.

Can be sometimes a bit of a pain getting the checknut off but if you can soak it in WD40 and wirebrush it up then usually come.

21mm spanner, crack the chucknut off on the arm off 1/4 turn,  Undo the bolt through the hub (if it doesnt come off just cut it off)  Then you can hit the side of the hub to release the track rod if its stuck in the hub.  Dont be scared to hit it.

Screw old one off and screw new one on.  Put back through hub and new bolt tightened up, nip the checknut 1/4 turn back up and check all is tight.   Voila!

[Gti_Jamo]

Also mind and count the number of turns when unscrewing the old ones so you can screw the new ones on exactly as they were. Even one turn out and your tracking will be out.

[Callum82]

Thank you.

It doesn't seem too hard so I'll get them ordered tonight and let you know how it goes.

Cheers.

[Chris.]

ONce the checknut is off your away.  Thats the bit thats a pain.

[Callum82]

Pain in the ass!

First off I didn't have a 21mm spanner so managed to crack it with an adjustable. Secondly the bolt through the hub wouldn't undo so I had to use an angle grinder. Thirdly the old tie rod just wouldn't unscrew, I took a LOT of leverage and coaxing to get off.

I managed it though but how on earth do you tighten the new nut onto the bit going through the hub? It just spins 

[Chris.]

Get a power bar and lever the track rod down into the hub and nip it up.  new ones are usually alright but somethings they need some persuasion.

[Callum82]

Get a power bar and lever the track rod down into the hub and nip it up.  new ones are usually alright but somethings they need some persuasion.

Done it, thanks!

Last question, does the bolt need to be mega tight? I don't have my torque wrench, so both tracking nut and the rod nut are as tight as I can do them with an adjustable and socket.

[Chris.]

If they tight with a normal spanner then usually tight enough mate.

[Callum82]

Sorted, thanks for all of the advice.

Callum