Here's few tips on how to change track rod ends. For those who don't know what a track rod is, its a long bar that helps to keep your front typres aligned when turning. Firstly, this is a really easy task. The biggest difficulty we had changing them is to get the old ones out. Using a universal ball joint separator a crowbar and a lot of sweat & tears will get the old ones off.
The biggest trick to doing this is to precisely measure the length of your track rod and ends. THe track rod ends screw out of the ends of the track rod. Also, this can be a very difficult task if the ends are firmly in place. Years of rust and mud can make them difficult to remove. Here's my handy hint to getting these off easily..
1. A lot of WD40
2. Heat. Even using a cigarette lighter a few times will help the metal expand and contract a few times.
3. Wedge a screw driver into the track rod grooves. It was only after using a lot of WD40 did we notice there are two grooves than run down the side of the track rod at the ends. Getting a flat screw driver into these slots can help.
After this its easy. Screw back in the new track rods (you can get these off ebay). Again make sure the length is perfect otherwise you will lose wheel alignment. Counting the turns of the track rod ends or measuring the length with a tape measure will do.
The guys from Pit Start were a great help. We would not have been able to complete the task without their advice. Check their website http://www.pitstartgarage.com/.
The difference in driving the car was immediatly. Much lighter and more responsive. If your stearing is dodgy check your track rods. It may be a quick win.
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