Inner tie rods / 'drumsticks'

Gman1 · Post by **Gman1** » Mon Nov 14, 2022 9:40 am

Had my tracking etc checked last week and the garage said that I ought to consider getting the above replaced but they couldn't source the parts. I thought I'd be able to get them but it turns out they may be right! Not to be confused with track rod ends which are readily available. I've searched the forum with nil results but I'm assuming I'm not the only one facing this problem. Any assistance / suggestions greatly appreciated

Steve55 · Post by **Steve55** » Mon Nov 14, 2022 4:06 pm

Welcome!
Try Rimmer bros website. They’re usually pretty good and can provide a catalogue by post which contains very useful exploded diagrams.

Steve55 · Post by **Steve55** » Mon Nov 14, 2022 4:14 pm

Is it the trailing link assembly on the rear that you’re referring to?

Gman1 · Post by **Gman1** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 8:03 am

Hi Steve - no it's the front and it's part of the steering rack. It would appear that you can't get the parts separately so may need a new steering rack then track rod ends while I'm at it - or should I say the garage! It's not a mega job as I understand so just have to get it done.

Steve55 · Post by **Steve55** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 9:45 am

Looks like a full steering rack then? Might be possible to get a refurbed one from a specialist. Anybody out there had any experience of that?

mgtfnut · Post by **mgtfnut** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 9:47 am

If you mean the tie rod between the outer visible steering ball joint and the ball joint where it connects to the actual rack, hidden inside the flexible bellows, try https://steering-racks.co.uk/
I had some play years ago in my n/s tie rod, contacted the guys there and they were very helpful. Just removed the tie rod complete and sent it to them and within days it was returned fully refurbished.
Can never get my head round the "funny" words people call various bits instead of their real names

Gman1 · Post by **Gman1** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 11:22 am

Thanks all - just sourced a rack from a 36k MGTF for £90 which includes the TRE's so all should be good

Also I've heard 'lollipop' used instead of tie's..

Reckless Rat · Post by **Reckless Rat** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 1:13 pm

Have you actually detected some wear in the rack to tie rod ball joint, other than the problem pointed out by your tracking mech? I am naturally distrustful of some mechanics these days, as I'm convinced all they're doing is trying to create more work for themselves because I assume that once you've fitted the replacement rack you'll need to have the car tracked up, again.

My daily runabout is an ageing Citroen C15 van. Three years ago at French Contrôle Technique time I was given an advisory on the steering rack by the tester, which prompted me to replace the rack with another one. I have since had the original rack on the bench and I'm buggered if I can find anything wrong with it. I am tempted to put it back on for the next CT just to see whether they fault it.

Trust no-one, particularly some numpty that doesn't know the correct name for a part he's crabbing.

Sorry, rant over.

Gman1 · Post by **Gman1** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 1:54 pm

Hi RR - all points noted but it wasn't the garage who came up with the term but I used it as that's how some people refer to them incl on MG forums. There can also be confusion between track rod ends and ties. Anyway I have no reason to doubt the garage as they tried to source the parts to save me having to fork out for a new / recon rack.

Reckless Rat · Post by **Reckless Rat** » Tue Nov 15, 2022 3:49 pm

Sorry if I've cast any aspersions your way. I had my angry head on. Hope you get the car sorted soon.

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Inner tie rods / 'drumsticks'

Inner tie rods / 'drumsticks'

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