Track Rod End and lock nut seized to steering tie rod.

[Mr Don]

Oh Dear

SAS Shepshed, had a Moggy gaiter, which was great.
Sadly, the track rod lock nut is seized to track rod end.
Nothing seems to work.

Tried, brute force, long adjustable plumbers spanner.
Penetrating oil.
Heating with blow torch.

I would welcome tips please on getting the blighter off.

Can you replace the tie rod in situ, if you can get the part? Which I recently did on my Seat.
Or is it a new steering rack job? neither ESM or Bull Motif seem to stock steering tie rods. Although some joker on ebay has a pair of second hand ones for £75 when ESM can supply a whole steering assembly reconditioned unit for £60, plus a returnable deposit.

[les]

Don't be offended but are you trying to turn it the right way?

[bmcecosse]

They can be tight - having been neglected for many years - but Penetrating oil overnight + blow lamp should be impossible to resist. Try try again! And when you assemble - a smear of grease will make it easier next time........

[Mr Don]

Don't be offended but are you trying to turn it the right way?

It had crossed my mind. Yes, I believe I am.

[Mr Don]

They can be tight - having been neglected for many years - but Penetrating oil overnight + blow lamp should be impossible to resist. Try try again! And when you assemble - a smear of grease will make it easier next time........

Thanks for the reassurance. I will try again after it fails the MOT tomorrow. More penetrating oil, time and blow torch it is them.

[bmcecosse]

Both sides are normal RH thread....

[MarkyB]

I was defeated by one of these too, had to take it to a garage who had oxy-acatelene to heat it up enough, my blow lamp couldn't get it hot enough.

[ian.mcdougall]

two hammers on opposite flats sharp hit to see if you can free the locked nut

[Mr Don]

two hammers on opposite flats sharp hit to see if you can free the locked nut

Thats worth a try

[Matt]

And... you have to grip the track rod end and the locking nut, (I assume you are anyway?) NOT the track rod itself.

[bmcecosse]

No - grip the track rod with stillsons - and free the lock nut with a suitable spanner - or another set of stillsons if the corners have gone.

[Mr Don]

Thanks for the help people

I got the blighter off
Two hammers, one used as an anvil.
Large spanner and a stilson on the rod.

Not easy peasy, but off it came.

Car now ready for MOT retest.

[bmcecosse]

Well done - grease it all well when back together - and wipe grease over the exposed thread and the flats of the nuts and TRE.