This tutorial is also available in French
➔
Track rod end change on Austin Mini
Vehicle ➔ Mini 1000 am1988
Difficulty ➔ Easy
Time ➔ 1 hour
Summary
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Over time and kilometers, the track rod ends eventually develop play. This causes blur and vibrations in the steering. If the play is significant, it can also lead to a retest during the MOT.
When you unscrew a track rod end from the rack, be sure to count the number of turns. This will allow you to put the new track rod end back in place more accurately. However, this does not exempt you from having the front wheels alignment adjusted afterwards.
If one of the track rod ends has play, do not hesitate to change both track rod ends. Indeed, if one of the track rod ends has given up the ghost, the other must also be tired. A track rod end only costs 8€. It is better to change both track rod ends before investing 75€ in the wheel alignment.
The track rod end fixing nuts (GFK3323) are nyloc locking nuts. Before refitting such a nut, check that the nylon ring is in good condition and guarantees the locking. If in doubt, as a safety measure, fit a new nut.
Required Tools
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Packaging :
•
GSJ734MS: The track rod ends are sold individually. 2 track rod ends are required for a vehicle. The track rod end is usually delivered with its nyloc nut (GFK3323).
• The above nuts are sold individually.
• The above nuts are sold individually.
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Remove the wheel
Op 01
Apply the handbrake.
Slightly loosen the 4 nuts on the front left wheel. Use the 11/16'' socket.
Place the Mini on ramps or axle stands.
Before working under the vehicle, make sure it is properly secured with axle stands or rigid ramps. It is forbidden to work under the vehicle supported only by a jack. It's too dangerous.
Op 02
Unscrew the 4 wheel nuts.
Remove the front wheel.
Detach the track rod end from the steering arm
Op 03
Remove the track rod end fixing nut. Use the 9/16'' socket.
Op 04
Detach the track rod end from the steering arm. Use the ball joint puller.
Remove the track rod end
Op 05
Loosen the track rod end lock nut. Use the two 19 mm spanners.
Op 06
Remove the track rod end. Unscrew by hand.
Count the number of turns when unscrewing the track rod end. This will allow you to position it approximately during reassembly.
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Reassemble the new track rod end
Op 07
Remove the nut from the new track rod end (GSJ734MS). Unscrew by hand.
Remove the plastic cover from the track rod end. Pull by hand.
Op 08
Check that the length of the new track rod end (dimension between the axis of the track rod end and the fixing point) is identical to the old one.
If the length is different, it will have to be taken into account when screwing the new track rod end onto the tie rod.
In my case, the new track rod end is 2 mm longer than the old one. I therefore screwed it in with 2 more turns than the old one.
In my case, the new track rod end is 2 mm longer than the old one. I therefore screwed it in with 2 more turns than the old one.
Op 09
Reassemble the track rod end on the tie rod. Screw by hand.
Screw the track rod end the same number of turns as the old one (corrected for the difference in length). This allows a first approach to the wheel alignment of the front wheels.
Op 10
Firmly tighten the lock nut (NT608041) against the track rod end. Use the 18 mm spanner and the 19 mm spanner.
The tightening torque of the track rod end lock nut is 52 mN. This operation requires a specific torque wrench with an open-end spanner. If, like me, you don't have this type of wrench, tighten hard.
Replace the track rod end on the steering arm
Op 11
Engage the axis of the track rod end in the steering arm.
Op 12
Screw on the track rod end nut (GFK3323). Use the 9/16'' socket.
Tighten the nut to a torque of 30 mN. Use the torque wrench.
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Reassemble the wheel
Op 13
Reassemble the wheel and screw in the 4 nuts. Use the 11/16'' socket.
Lower the Mini to the ground. Remove the ramps or axle stands.
Tighten the 4 nuts to the torque corresponding to the type of rim. Use the torque wrench.
The tightening torque of the wheel nuts is:
• 63 mN for steel rims.
• 50 mN for alloy rims.
• 63 mN for steel rims.
• 50 mN for alloy rims.
Op 14
Change the 2nd track rod end. Proceed in the same way.
Op 15
Have the front wheel alignment adjusted.
The End
