Fitting Track Rod Ends

If you are driving in a straight line, and you feel that you constantly need to adjust the position of your steering to keep your car in a straight line, then it is time to change your track rod ends as they are worn out. Track rod ends are installed on the ends of your car’s steering rack, and ensure proper handling when in a proper working condition.

Worn out or damaged track rod ends can cause mishandling and can result in loss of human life and property. You can do track rod end replacement in your home if you have the right tools and some basic car repair knowledge.

You will need the following:

•    New track rod ends
•    Jack and Stand
•    Lug Wrench
•    Track rod puller tool
•    Wrenches for undoing bolts (depending upon car make)

Once you have all the things you need, follow the following steps to perform track rod end replacement on your car.

1.    Loosen the lug nuts and Jack up the car on a stand.

2.    Remove the wheel and inspect the track rod ends for play and movement. They are the ones present at the end of your steering rack.

3.    Use a marker to mark the spot on the track rod where the current ends are installed, since we want to install the new ones on the same location to avoid alignment issues.

4.    Remove the cotter pin and the securing nut on the track rod end.

5.    Now use the track rod-pulling tool on the steering rack aim, with the puller bolt centered and aligned with the stud on the track rod end.

6.    Now loosen the sleeve bolt and start unscrewing the track rod end from the steering rack arm.

7.    Now screw the new track rod end on the sleeve and screw it till the mark you had previously made on the rack end. This ensures that the wheel alignment remains the same.

8.    Tighten the sleeve bolt, fix the stud back into its place, and tighten the securing nut.

9.    Now you need to insert the cotter pin back into its hole. If it is not aligning properly, tighten the track rod end just a little bit to get the holes aligned, do not loosen it.

10.    Put the tyre back on and tighten all the nuts and bolts.

11.    Lower the car off the jack.

Congratulations! You have performed a track rod end replacement all by yourself. The new track rod ends will continue to serve you for years to come.