Track Rod Loose

[mattims]

Whilst trying to discover the source of clunking in my steering I found that one end of the track rod is really loose.

It has quite a bit of vertical play, but actually pretty minimal in the axial direction.

This doesn't seem like it can be right to me, is there a fitting that is pressed into the tube from factory that can come loose? I can't quite get my head around how that bit is joined but can have that much movement.

I see most replacement track rods are just threaded ends with a lock nut that goes straight onto the tie rod end, seems like a simpler setup to me.

300TDI Defender 110 if it makes any difference.

Video below

Shared album - Matt Davis - Google Photos (https://photos.app.goo.gl/qzlNbxMBouqkcKWN2)

[weeds]

Yep looks like something has come adrift.

I wouldn’t have thought the threaded bit have been pressed in...would have thought it would be machined and maybe it’s cracked through.

[whitey56]

That looks like a bodge to me, one style is the tube end should reduce down with the clamp tightening the smaller section around the tie rod threads or like you said a nut on the tie rod thread and whoever did the job didn't have a nut and used the clamp.

[Xtreme]

That's not a standard track rod. It looks like someone had tried to reinforce the standard rod by by fitting a heavier tube over the original but has failed to achieve a tight/secure fit betweem the two.

[mattims]

That's makes sense, and also explains why none of the pictures I could find looked like that.

I guess in that case it's not actually a major problem since the larger tube is doing nothing other than some protection if it was to get hit.


That's not a standard track rod. It looks like someone had tried to reinforce the standard rod by by fitting a heavier tube over the original but has failed to achieve a tight/secure fit betweem the two.

[Red90]

The large tube is probably meant to be loose. Some designs do it that way to let the reinforcing bar roll as you drive over things. The original design was called a Sumo bar.

[roverrescue]

It would be quicker to remove and inspect the rod than take a video?
Certainly not a standard Rod but as to whether it is a sleeve that is loose (intentionally or otherwise) or looseness in TRE to Rod attachment you won't know till you take the rodnoff and inspect

If the TRE was threaded into a tube that loose it would fall off likely indicating that to be a sleeved OEM rod

S

[weeds]

The large tube is probably meant to be loose. Some designs do it that way to let the reinforcing bar roll as you drive over things. The original design was called a Sumo bar.

If it’s supposed to be loose how do adjust the wheel alignment as there is bigger all room where the clamp is, be alright when threads are new.

I’m wondering if there is movement at the other end. If it a loose sleeve it would contribute to making noises.

The other sleeve has been machined so a decent crack if it’s a home made job.

Either way ditch the rod

[Michael2]

Is there any play or jiggle anywhere if someone turns / rocks the steering wheel side to side (engine off-no power steering) while you inspect all the joints underneath?

If the rod is a problem, you'll see play, otherwise if there is another problem, you should see the play.

[Red90]

Okay not Sumo, but Dan bar. Look it up. Looks like it is one of those. Is there a grease nipple in the middle?

[Bearman]

I would not drive that until you have fixed it. If that comes apart on the road the consequences could be catastrophic.

[Tins]

Either way ditch the rod

X2

[mattims]

No grease nipple but otherwise looks alot like it. Thanks for the help.

And it is totally seized in place at the other end.


Okay not Sumo, but Dan bar. Look it up. Looks like it is one of those. Is there a grease nipple in the middle?

[mattims]

Thanks for all the help people.

And yes it probably seems obvious what it is now and would have been quicker to pull it off and figure it out myself. But I just couldn't comprehend how it was attached at the time and with the other end tie rod threads being seized I didn't want to use too much force to undo it without understanding what I was doing... I'll put it down to somewhat reduced mental ability this week.

And even though it looks like its just the sleeve rattling I don't really like the idea of a loose sleeve rattling and possibly wearing or at least hiding wear on the actual track rod so I think I will just replace the whole thing.