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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5765

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Steering track rod end replacement.
Will be doing the steering track rod end replacement in the very near future, the rubber bush on the current one (Driver’s side) is toast. It will be a complete part replacement (not just the bush). I’m doing the steering box ball join at the same time. Any top tips? Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #870856 2nd Dec 2020 9:33am
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grafty99



Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: North Devon
Posts: 4784

United Kingdom 2002 Defender 90 Td5 HT Caledonian Blue
I'd buy polyurethane ball joint boots from Gwyn Lewis as they won't degrade over time (I switched after the rubber boots on one of mine split after 2 months on a brand new TRE!)

Also I'd consider changing to a discovery drop arm - it will make future ball joint replacements much quicker /easier Thumbs Up 2002 90 Td5 Station Wagon
1990 Vogue SE
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
Td5 90 Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic50767.html
Tdi 110 Thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic69562.html
RRC Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic54492.html
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Post #870857 2nd Dec 2020 9:47am
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5765

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Thanks Grafty. This is just to pass the French version of the MOT as I’m importing the DC this month. Next spring I’ll do a full GL upgrade. Just wondered if there were any tricks to getting the old ends off etc. Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #870861 2nd Dec 2020 9:58am
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LR90XS2011



Member Since: 05 Apr 2011
Location: bickenhill
Posts: 3613

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Galway Green
generally a puller, if it dosnt move, place a steel mallet on one side and give the other side a tap with a hammer this will normally release the taper

regards the GL upgrade I can recommend this, I got my bits during their sale and the steering is much better, and the impact of pot holes less significant DEFENDER 90 TDCI XS,

I hope everyone is well and your land rovers make you happy
Post #870865 2nd Dec 2020 10:26am
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shropshiredefender



Member Since: 05 Jun 2017
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 832

England 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
As above on both counts.

Regarding the hammer method of releasing the TRE taper - by all means start with a tap - if/when that doesn't work increase the blow gradually to the almighty humongous clout usually required Whistle

A proper ball joint splitter is relatively cheap, easy to use, and less likely to cause "self harm".


Thumbs Up Just because you're offended doesn't mean you're right.
Post #870898 2nd Dec 2020 1:50pm
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3203

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
I also highly reccomend the use of a ball joint separator tool as shown ^^
If using this tools, I recommend to keep the nut on the last few threads to keep the ball joint/rod from catapulting away.

As for the ball joint in the drop arm, there is a very simple tool that can either be manufactured (usually on a lathe) but is also available to purchase to draw the inner half of the ball joint cup from the drop arm. Do not use a hammer on the drop arm. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #870899 2nd Dec 2020 2:21pm
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3203

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
This is a very good video:

 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #870900 2nd Dec 2020 2:23pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16870

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
LR90XS2011 wrote:
generally a puller, if it dosnt move, place a steel mallet on one side and give the other side a tap with a hammer this will normally release the taper ...


Many years ago when I, as a youngster, was in the trade, it was indoctrinated into me that the "two hammers" methods was dangerous due to the risk of cracking or damaging the component with the taper. If I had ever used this method, the hammer would probably have been applied to my knuckles.

In view of how widespread this practice is, and how rare deaths due to fractured steering components are, I suspect that the danger was exaggerated, but no vehicle of mine is ever going to receive the "two hammers" treatment.

Best practice is to use a proper separator like the one illustrated above (not the tapered fork type, which are useless) and if the joint still won't split then tap the separator with the hammer (along the axis of the taper). This has never failed for me.
Post #870904 2nd Dec 2020 3:08pm
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3203

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
Suspension/steering components need to be tough. Toughness is the combination of strength and ductility. Ductile metals will not crack easily. If components were made too hard, they may become brittle, and would be dangerous in an accident.

But it could be that the metallurgy in the very early days was high in carbon, and control was not as good, making components less tough. And the good practice was carried on (can read on the metallurgy of the Titanic). Not the case nowadays, although with the high recycling percentage we might be going backwards (I know front axles on later Defenders like to snap in 2) Mad 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #870964 2nd Dec 2020 8:11pm
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Tribord



Member Since: 20 Apr 2013
Location: France
Posts: 217

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS DCPU Zermatt Silver
Grenadier wrote:
Thanks Grafty. This is just to pass the French version of the MOT as I’m importing the DC this month. Next spring I’ll do a full GL upgrade. Just wondered if there were any tricks to getting the old ends off etc.


Are you trying to import before Dec 31st? Wink
Good luck, I just completed one and it took over 5 months to get the CG! I did need an FFVE cert, although that did not take so long. Hopefully things will start to improve, although I guess there is still a backlog.
Post #871132 3rd Dec 2020 4:04pm
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jst



Member Since: 14 Jan 2008
Location: Taunton
Posts: 7683

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Stornoway Grey
Just use one hammer, quicker, easier than puller and never had any detrimental affects on any i have done. Cheers

James
110 XS Utility
130 Puma Station wagon/camper (in the making)
90 Puma Hardtop
Post #871192 3rd Dec 2020 10:02pm
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