Firemang Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 The offside rubber gator is split on the steering rack of my 1600vx. Replacement looks fairly straightforward if I can get it back together without having to retrack it. Is there a way of doing this? Can you guys give me some advice in doing this job please as i want to be sure i am doing it correctly. I presume what I have to undo the nylock nut holding the trackrod end to the wheel and pull the balljoint up and out. Then mark the position of the nut at the bottom of the trackrod end and undo it? I presume it makes it easier if I slightly jack up the car to the suspension is level or should I not bother? Then undo the clamps holding the rubber gator and extract it? Am I also correct in thinking that the steering rack need will regreasing with universal grease? Any comments and tips gratefully received. Cheers Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CageyH Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 Count the number of turns that you use to take the track rod end off, and put it back on the same number. Can't remember what grease I used, although it may have beenmoly grease. Only dead fish go with the flow....! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Area Representative Crudders Posted June 18, 2007 Area Representative Share Posted June 18, 2007 Ian - assuming you have the ali bodied rack with "CATERHAM" cast into the body, you should find flats on the track rod when you pull back the gaiter - once you've released the locknut you can turn the track rod out of the track rod end with a spanner or wrench without splitting the taper joint on the steering arm (best avoided if poss as it can be quite destructive). As Cagey says, make sure you count the threads showing to revert to your existing tracking. I asked the question about rack lube a while back and had more or less equal answers for grease and gear oil. I ended up using a bit of each and it now runs silky smooth Crudders Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyn Heesom Posted June 18, 2007 Share Posted June 18, 2007 You shouldn't have to disconnect the track rod end from the steering arm, as the track rod can unscrew from the track rod end. You will need to remove the clamp on the small end of the gaiter so the track rod can rotate. If you then use a spanner on the locknut on the track rod you should be able to unscrew it from the track rod end (counting the turns), then uncrew the lock nut off the track rod. The gaiter can then be replaced, and the lock nut put back on the track rod. Screw the track rod back into the track rod end, and lock down with the lock nut, and calmp the gaiter in position. It is probably a good idea to get the tracking checked. I should learn to type faster! Edited by - Martyn Heesom on 18 Jun 2007 20:27:52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemang Posted June 18, 2007 Author Share Posted June 18, 2007 Thanks Martyn,Crudders and CageyH Ok I know I have the rack with Caterham cast on it and the flats on the the track rods. Just so I have this clear in my head. 1 Jack up the front of the car or not bother? 2 Before I start count the number of exposed threads from the track rod end locknut in towards the car. 3 loosen lock nut on trackrod (the one closest to the car where the trackrod goes in) and remove outer cable tie on gator. 4 Unscrew trackrod using flats on the rod also counting turns as a double check so that it screws out of the trackrod end and intowards the car. (must admit i did'nt realise I could do this) I not quite sure what you mean by splitting the taper joint on the steering arm. Is that on steering rack or wheel? All sound ok? Cheers Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shn7 Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 1. Yes jack up the front to take the load off the tyres. 2. Loosen the lock nut and count the number of turns of the track rod as you unscrew it from the TR end. 3. Snip the cable ties holding the gaitor in place. 4. Fit new gaitor 5. Screw track rod in the same number of turns as you counted when removing. 6. Put the kettle on. I not quite sure what you mean by splitting the taper joint on the steering arm. Is that on steering rack or wheel? The vertical part of the track rod end is a tapered fit into the upright. Steve. Sussex (West) AO Not forgetting Percy the Polar Bear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemang Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Thanks Steve and the rest of you guys. WIll tackle the Job this week aslong as I can get a gaitor from Redline. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Lynch Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Better still take a macro photo of the number of threads. 1.4K SS 😬 Job hunting and smiling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firemang Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Good thinking David 😬 Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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