mrben Posted October 28, 2016 Report Posted October 28, 2016 Afternoon all. Looks like i'm going to need to replace the steering rack. I thought it was the bottom ball joint making the steering vague, but jacked it up and checked them, and they are ok, but i found play in the steering (in the boot that is pictured). Has anyone does this job before? Any tips appreciated. Thanks. Quote
BrianH Posted October 28, 2016 Report Posted October 28, 2016 it might be the tie rod rather than the rack - if you can detect movement when the wheel is held (get someone to hold the steering wheel and move the road wheel yourself) and theres rocking back and forth then it probabbly wants the rod - if you can remove the boot to see you should be able to see where the movement is. - this bit shown below is the part i mean. http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Ford_Galaxy_2.0_1997/p/car-parts/steering/suspension-and-steering/track-rod-and-track-rod-end/?606440665&1&6104273d92609cb74fbe93fabbffcf41455ab750&000347 Your may have to destroy the track rod end to remove it if its not been apart anytime recently. So you may want that as well for the appropriate side. Tyres and tracking also a consideration - are the tyres wearing unevenly? Quote
sparky Paul Posted October 28, 2016 Report Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) Yes, inner track rod joint. Straightforward job, and you can buy the inner and outer track rod parts for about a tenner each. You will need some big spanners, I think the original joint is a 35mm spanner, or use a small pair of stillsons to remove. The replacement track rod was a bit smaller across the flats, 30 or 32mm IIRC, use a spanner or big adjustable if you have one. Threadlock the stud when you fit the new track rod, and the boot clamps can be re-used if removed carefully. Even with significant movement at the wheel, you will probably be unable to feel any play in the joint once you have taken the track rod off - don't let that put you off. Edited October 28, 2016 by sparky Paul Quote
mrben Posted October 29, 2016 Author Report Posted October 29, 2016 Yes chaps, I'm pretty sure its the inner track rod. I was unaware you could fix that part...I'm guesing the inner track rod just unscrews out, after you get the outer track rod end off? thanks. Quote
sparky Paul Posted October 29, 2016 Report Posted October 29, 2016 Yes, tis just screwed into the end of the rack, fairly tight. You will have to apply some right lock so that you can get an implement on it, you'll see when the boot is removed. Also check the boot for any splits or damage before tackling the job, you can replace this at the same time if necessary. Quote
mrben Posted October 31, 2016 Author Report Posted October 31, 2016 Hi chaps. Well got it done without too much trouble (for a change!)This tool I borrowed is a must though. Great bit of kit! Quote
BrianH Posted November 3, 2016 Report Posted November 3, 2016 Hi chaps. Well got it done without too much trouble (for a change!)This tool I borrowed is a must though. Great bit of kit!http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/public/style_images/ford/attachicon.gif20161031_153504.jpgNever seen one of them before, Does look like it would make it a bit easier though! Quote
sparky Paul Posted November 4, 2016 Report Posted November 4, 2016 Very fancy gadget! As we say, "you're short of nowt you've got!" Quote
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