Changing Track Rod (Tie rod) End question

[Mick Stokes]

Hiya
My tracking was out so needed to adjust, the track rod locking nut has been rounded and is seized. Decided to replace track rod ends, I may have to butcher this to get this out . Here's the question, if I knacker the thread on the inner track rod (connecting to the steering rack) can this be replaced EASILY or do I have to replace the whole steering rack. (Bentley bible does'nt mention about inner track rods, SAAB Central do sell them though) Any help would be much appreciated before I start work and scrapping the skin of my knuckles and the swearing commences.

Thanks
Mick

[MSOEMiller]

Even if it is rounded, I think you could spray some penetrating oil, let it sit, then get a tight vice-grips on the rounded nut.

[Mick Stokes]

Thanks, I think that will be my first plan of attack, in the past I have encased the nut with a plastic bag, seal it, then fill the bag with penetrating oil, leave overnight. Sometimes that does the trick.

Anyway thanks for the reply.

Mick

[Matthew]

Originally Posted by Mick Stokes

if I knacker the thread on the inner track rod (connecting to the steering rack) can this be replaced EASILY

It can be replaced, but a quick scan of the Saab service manual suggests that it's not easy. The procedure is covered in the manual as part of steering rack overhaul.

[Si]

Soak with penetrating oil before then heat(propane etc) when you come to try and loosen it.

I started the job, managed to losen the nut and then decided to invest in a mech after hitting the ball joint seperator repeatedly for 30 mins with no joy.

One of the x-mech's i worked with had a good laugh when he found out what i was hitting it with....a large rubber mallet , he suggested a 2-4lb hammer would prob have done the job!

[john-w]

I tried to replace the track rod, but you can't get to the nut to undue it without removing the rack. So at that point I replaced the rack!

[Mick Stokes]

Thanks for the replies chaps, have managed to free it, covered the nut in a plastic bag, and filled it with penetrating oil overnight, have tried this trick with rusty nuts on Landrovers.

Cheers Mick