Play in track rod/steering link

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Sun Mar 19, 06 5:04 pm

I've been trying to work out were vibration is coming from that can be felt thru the steering wheel.
I jacked up the suspension and wanted to know if the following amount of play is right.
With the car jacked up and no load on the suspension i can twist the steering centre link and move it a few degrees forward and back. This causes the track rod end ball joints to 'click' as if free play is evident. If i grip the road wheels and shake them the same noise is audible.
When the car is of the jack I can still twist the centre link to a lesser degree but the clunk in the ball joints is stil evident
Is this normal or should I be looking at replacing the 4 track rod/ cente link connecting ball joints?
I'm a bit puzzled becouse the MOT didnt produce any problems
I'd appreciate any help as the vibration is making the car less enjoyable to ride.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 19, 06 5:32 pm

Miles you really need to check for any play with the wheels on the ground and someone shaking the steering wheel slightly.

If the vibe isn't on the brake pedal and the wheels are balanced really good then it has to be steering joints and if you've found one with play then start there mate

JMHO

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Mar 19, 06 5:56 pm

If you mean you can rotate the centre link a bit, that is normal as they are ball joints... in 'n out play or up 'n down play is wear. check the idler, that is the usual suspect

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Sun Mar 19, 06 6:13 pm

Thanks guys. The idler arm has ben replaced. With wheels on the ground if i grab a wheel and Bananarama! and shake it there is a dull clunk which is coming from the track rod ball joints. Also, when hiting road bumps there is a bang coming from the same area. the upper and lower control arms have new ball joints as well.
Neill, any idea on the cost of the ball joints in qusetion?
I have to sort this out, its driving me nuts

Otherwise, the car is running as good as it has anytime and i've still to fit the new heads, dizzy and TTI exhaust system!

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sun Mar 19, 06 6:26 pm

I would be looking at ball joints or LCA bushes if it is banging, track rods tend not to be loaded enough to make bad noises. JM2C

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Sun Mar 19, 06 6:51 pm

Alex, its really difficult to tell. I jacked up the lower control arms and noted no sideways movement. I do know that the clunk when shaking the wheels is from the track rod connection to the centre link. i suspect i'll end up having to do the LCA bushes 'just in case'. not looking forward to that

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Mar 19, 06 9:56 pm

Miles track rod ball joints aren't much at all mate

i'll get a cost for you tomorrow

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Wed Mar 22, 06 8:39 pm

Could a loose steering box be the cause, Ive had it on two Mopes now (Pete found one of em!)

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Thu Mar 23, 06 12:06 pm

I dont think so James, the steering is very sharp. I suspect that i'll have to re-bush the entire front suspension. Just one of those high intensity labour jobs that I suspect i can no longer avoid

ps when is the next SW meeting as i've yet to attend one due to my car being off the roas al of last summer!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Mar 23, 06 1:06 pm

Miles

tie rods ends are about ?19.00 each

if you're doing any other suspension bushes/ball joints or steering joints/idlers/pitman let me know what and i'll cost it from Moog also

MilesnMiles · Post by **MilesnMiles** » Thu Mar 23, 06 6:52 pm

Thanks Neill, once i've completed the heads, exhaust and dizzy install i'l take a another look at suspension jobs and get nback to you.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Thu Mar 23, 06 8:56 pm

Ok Miles