Trouble with track rod end

james brazier · 23-12-11, 08:10 AM

Not the usual problem like it's stuck in, quite the reverse actually, i am trying to tighten the nut up but the thread keeps on turning, i have tried pressing it in with slip joint pliers and mole grips gripping the handle of the pliers, so that's a lot of prssure but still the damn thread turns.

help any ideas???

Ta

james

4v6 · 23-12-11, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james brazier

Not the usual problem like it's stuck in, quite the reverse actually, i am trying to tighten the nut up but the thread keeps on turning, i have tried pressing it in with slip joint pliers and mole grips gripping the handle of the pliers, so that's a lot of prssure but still the damn thread turns.

help any ideas???

Ta

james

Pry bay or suitable other bar between the top of the offending balljoint and a big block of wood and a suitable point on the suspension or floor to pry against, effectively multiplying your holding pressure.

Wire brush the theads first on the balljoint if its an old one and clear any debris out or itll make it a hell of a job to get tightened.

rtz62 · 23-12-11, 08:54 AM

Replace offending part (I give in easily these days!!)

Audi Derek · 23-12-11, 09:40 AM

Is it the right part / size ??.

..

andydunn2 · 23-12-11, 10:30 AM

Check the condition of the thread and make sure its not fooked, if its damaged then the nut wont screw on easlily creating more torque and hence the problem.

I had this issue on the GT with track rods from Eurocarparts, cleaned them up with a file and bobs your aunty..!

yeti · 23-12-11, 10:34 AM

I normally use an air ratchet where I can, find it's ledd prone to spinning the ball joint.

urS6 · 23-12-11, 10:48 AM

I use a two-arm puller upside down, so it's pressing the joint into the arm. You could try taking it off again if you can and then you can give the mating surfaces a really good clean, as sometimes a little bit of grease causes this problem.

This can also be caused by not cleaning the threads on an old joint properly, or reusing an old rusty nut (nuts should be replaced every time - they're really cheap!).

Paul

james brazier · 23-12-11, 11:02 AM

Puller has now worked so thanks guys, just finished in time for it to start pissing down

J

23-12-11, 09:40 AM	#4
Audi Derek “Been raced and rallied” Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bridgwater Somerset Posts: 1,431	Is it the right part / size ??. .. __________________ Vorspurng durch Technik (see it does work)

23-12-11, 10:34 AM	#6
yeti Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Derby Posts: 1,166	I normally use an air ratchet where I can, find it's ledd prone to spinning the ball joint. __________________ 1990 Coupe Quattro (WTF did I buy that for?) Half a 1983 Coupe FI (long term parts shelf) 2003 Cors-arrrgh More Polos that you'd ever believe No time, no money, all the wrong tools and a workshop that's too far away

23-12-11, 08:54 AM	#3
rtz62 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1,527	Replace offending part (I give in easily these days!!)

23-12-11, 10:30 AM	#5
andydunn2 Ragtop Collector Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Chorley Posts: 1,463	Check the condition of the thread and make sure its not fooked, if its damaged then the nut wont screw on easlily creating more torque and hence the problem. I had this issue on the GT with track rods from Eurocarparts, cleaned them up with a file and bobs your aunty..!

23-12-11, 10:48 AM	#7
urS6 Grown up member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Worcestershire Posts: 115	I use a two-arm puller upside down, so it's pressing the joint into the arm. You could try taking it off again if you can and then you can give the mating surfaces a really good clean, as sometimes a little bit of grease causes this problem. This can also be caused by not cleaning the threads on an old joint properly, or reusing an old rusty nut (nuts should be replaced every time - they're really cheap!). Paul

23-12-11, 11:02 AM	#8
james brazier Grown up member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 189	Puller has now worked so thanks guys, just finished in time for it to start pissing down J