Ball Joints and Boots

[MX5Steve]

I was doing the droplink bushs today and I noticed the dust boots on the ball joints and the track rod ends were spilt, How do I know if I need to replace ball joints or track rod ends or whether its ok to replace just the boots.

has anyone ever done this and how hard is it to free them?

Thanks......

[gunners5]

Hi Steve,i have replaced both parts in the past not bad jobs but sometimes the nuts can seize quite badly.What really shows up if they are perished or not is if there is no grease left in them and they can knock badly and are stiff to move around.
The lower balljoints are tough to do and you will have to get the car tracked after fitting new track rod ends.

[Fergus]

I also did both of mine. If the rubber is split then they need to be replaced, it will fail an NCT etc.
Tie rods, if the rubber is cracked then it won't be long until the greese is all gone. I can't remember for sure but if their nackered then when you fully lock/turn the steering wheel you may hear a 'pop' from them moving as they get stiff.

I have a neat little trick with getting them off using a socket wrench and a heavy foot
Also did the ones on Seanies car as well.

[MX5Steve]

Thanks for the advice lads

[Fergus]

Ops did you mean to say the "Track Rod Ends" ?
Be careful taking off the tie rod ends nuts BTW, give them a spray first as they can get wrecked in the process and use new clips in them unless the old ones don't snap when taking them off.

If you have any probs taking off the tie rod ends give me a buzz on my moblie as they can be a PAIN to pop off from the lower wish bone (mine were on my car since 1991 ). I'll tell you my 'trick' etc to make it easy.
Last thing, wrap some tape around the "Steering Rack Inner Tie Rod End" before you take off the actual "Track Rod End" so you will know how far to turn it when bolting it all back together.

Some Visuals....

Steering Rack Inner Tie Rod End - http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info. ... cts_id/744

Tie Rod End - http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info. ... cts_id/555

[MX5Steve]

K a liitle confused here now.....

The tie rod end is connected to the track rod end which is in turn connected to the bacl of the hub, Is that right?

So what usualy needs replacing, just the Track rod i assumed unless I cant get it off the tie rod end?

[Fergus]

Yes, usually it's just the 'tie rod ends' needs replacing.

It's the one that connects with the lower wishbone, more exposed to water/grit next to the wheel etc.

The "Steering Rack Boot / Gaiter, Power Steering" can crack after a while as well - http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info. ... cts_id/869

Simple to replace that one

Can you take some pics of what you need replaced ?

[Steve]

Easy way to get the track rod end ball joint out..

Take off the top nut, put it back on upside down until the bottom is flush with the top of the ball joint shaft. Hit with big hammer.. out she pops.. putting the nut on upside down will stop the shaft mushrooming out on you (which it will do as its got a hole going through it for the split pin).


Use one spanner on the square bit of the inner tie rod and one on the nut to remove/tighten.

Steve