Steering Gaiters ..

[JustinMinor1000]

So both the track rod ends need replacing .. This is not a problem as I've done it before on the old moggie ..

However last time I managed to break a gaiter while I was doing it .. and I ended up getting the garage to change it as I ran out of time ..

As the gaiters are £4 each and the whole thing has to come to bits anyway, Am I makeing a whole heap of trouble for myself by changing them ?

[Matt]

gaters arn't that hard to change

[Alec]

Hello Justin,

I assume that you will take the car to have the tracking adjusted once the track rod ends are changed? Fit the new gaiters when you get the old track rod ends off but don't tighten the clips on the outboard end just in case the fitter 'forgets' to undo them and turns the track rod and rips your nice new gaiters.

Alec

[JustinMinor1000]

Hello Justin,

I assume that you will take the car to have the tracking adjusted once the track rod ends are changed? Fit the new gaiters when you get the old track rod ends off but don't tighten the clips on the outboard end just in case the fitter 'forgets' to undo them and turns the track rod and rips your nice new gaiters.

Alec

I've got a feeling that that's what happened last time Except that the Gaiters were old ..

I'm going to order then .. it would be silly not to change them if I'm going to make all the effort to change the track rod ends ..

[rayofleamington]

if using the same track rod ends *e.g. just changing the gaiter) you can count the number of turns then use this to replace them in the same place.
To initially (roughly) set the tracking after renewing track rod ends etc.., you can do the tracking by eye. All that is required is to get the car on fairly flat ground then line up the front and rear outer edges of the tyre with the outer edge of the rear wheel. Take care to keep the steering wheel straight otherwise you'll create further problems.

[bmcecosse]

Just make a very simple tracking gauge from Dexion angle - it works. Be sure to set both track rod ends exactly the same distance (ie no of turns) on the track rods - and then adjust evenly on both sides. The track rods should rotate inside the rack gaiters - spot of oil helps.