drag rod end replacement

[finallyrangie]

Hello people

As The title says, I am trying to change the drag rod end to get some of the play out of the steering, the old end had done it's best work to be honest.

How do I get the old one off, undid the nut and than spent two hours subjecting it to both bad language and violence, usually this combination does the trick but this time to no avail.

Am I missing something, is there a trick to it, or is it just one of those jobs?

Any help would be much appreciated, even some new swear wordsas I'm out, and as a metalworker I swear professionally!

[Keithy P38]

If it's the end I'm thinking of, you're better off replacing the drag rod... That's the way I went after my suspension guru did and said similar things to you.

Fixed the play right up ;-)

Cheers
Keithy

[finallyrangie]

It's getting the end off of the car that's the problem, I have got the adjusting part loose and if I could get it off I could actually change it.

[mtb_gary]

When I did mine I used a ball joint separator and a large hammer. Like Keith I ended up replacing the entire drag link assembly.

[p38arover]

The taper will drop straight out if you hit the end of the arm with a big hammer. Usually there is a small rectangular section on the arm where one hits. That will distort the female taper and the male will release.

I can't remember if the P38A has the aiming spot.

Even if you do get it out, there's every likelihood the other end which can't be replaced is also worn out.

[finallyrangie]

I am kind of committed to the end for today as I need to get to work in the morning, but I will be looking for a complete replacement, you who know all, you know.

Bigger hammer ready, and I have been told it helps to get the weight off of the front, so jack and stands under the chassis before I start today, I have also found the propane torch if I get desperate, here's hoping.

[finallyrangie]

Just to update

Bit of heat and a 12lb lump hammer and it popped off as if it was the most natural thing in the world, thanks for the tips people, it always helps to know where to hit and that you can hit it.


Just got to fit the new one then the washer bottle can go back on, it was full of mold, but that's another story