Track rod ends

[jagnut66]

Hi,
I want to replace my track rod ends but I have to say I'm a little unsure as to what has been fitted to mine. Olwyn is of 1955 vintage and looking on eBay the 'earlier' versions all seem to be of the sealed for life type with no grease nipple, there also appears to be a suggestion of a different thread size of early steering racks. The track rod ends on my car that I wish to renew have grease nipples fitted but seem to resemble these 'early' types, though there seems to a suggestion of the square bit on the shaft in the first picture, so might they be later ones??
So my question is would the kit in the link below fit my car??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MINOR- ... SwX~dWj37R

Or must I go for this type, which without grease nipples seem a bit of a liability in the long run:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-MORRIS-M ... nZZqrEJoiw

I took a couple of pictures this morning but I was dressed for work, so I was being careful not to get covered in grease, therefore I don't know if you can tell much from them.
As always I am grateful for your comments / advice.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[oliver90owner]

As always, your contract for supply will be be between yourself and the supplier. Better to get written confirmation of fit/suitability for purpose from the supplier before making an order. Little point in asking for contractual info on a forum and later coming back to complain, if that information was incorrect (for a variety of reasons). The suppliers are the experts, or may be hyping their product, but I always ask them, before buying, if there is any risk of incorrect parts being supplied.

You then choose your supplier of your choice - possibly on cost or maybe quality. I never go for the cheapest unless I know exactly what I am buying.

[jagnut66]

Little point in asking for contractual info on a forum and later coming back to complain,

Just to clarify, this is my hobby, as well as my mode of transport, I for one never come on here seeking 'contractual info' .
I am seeking advice and opinion. If I went for the 'later' set and it didn't fit then I would put it to one side for use on another Morris, when I am in the fortunate position to be able to afford another.
I would not be complaining, as others on here can only advise me on what they think to be correct, ultimate responsibility for ones actions rests with the individual.
Also I am the one seeking that advice.
You seem to be taking a very businesslike attitude to what is basically a site dedicated to our hobby / passion for older cars, if we get it wrong occasionally, we get it wrong. I for one will not be looking to blame anybody.
Therefore if anyone else wants to venture an opinion, feel free to do so, without fear of being sued afterwards!
Best wishes,
Mike.

[Mark Wilson]

Hard to see how any supplier can guarantee suitability for purpose on cars which are inevitably a mixture of different ages of components - they can't just check against a chassis number as you would with a modern. Asking on here is almost certainly the best way to find what works and what doesn't, and I think most of us accept that we won't always get the right part. As Mike says, this is a hobby!

[Trickydicky]

I have bought parts from this chap before and he has been good for me, the early track rod ends he lists are these, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MORRIS-MINOR- ... TOiDmE1baA
Which don't have a grease nipple. I take it the reason you are replacing them is because they are worn?

[kennatt]

not sure but don't think any now have the grease nipple ,the last I got for my 55 was from Tom Roys,didn't have the nipple,they fitted ok,I've never known Chris at Tom Roys not to know exactly what part you need,try him.

[jagnut66]

Which don't have a grease nipple. I take it the reason you are replacing them is because they are worn?

not sure but don't think any now have the grease nipple ,the last I got for my 55 was from Tom Roys,didn't have the nipple,

Interesting. Yes, I do think they are probably worn. One certainly allows grease out passed the rubber when I apply my grease gun. I don't think they are completely worn out though, so hopefully I have some time but I want to do it sooner rather than later. They were on the car when I bought it, so they are definitely an unknown quantity.
However there are items on her that have been replaced, for example the engine, she would have been 803cc when new. So the steering rack may be a replacement also, hence my existing ends with nipples.......
I shall ponder this but I may take a chance on the later kit, as I want to replace my racks gaters anyway and I would rather have the option of greasing than not. If they don't fit they can go in the spares pile for later.
Thanks for the advice and info.
Best wishes,
Mike.