This tutorial is also available in French ➔

Track rod end gaiter change on Austin Mini

Vehicle ➔ Mini 1000 year 1988

Difficulty ➔ Easy

Time ➔ 30 minutes

Summary

■

Remove the track rod end gaiter

■

Fit the track rod end gaiter

Recommendations

A torn track rod end gaiter must be replaced without delay. Indeed, the gaiter protects the track rod end against any intrusion of dust. If you delay replacing the gaiter, you will have to replace the track rod end.

When changing the gaiter, the track rod end remains attached to the steering rack. It is therefore not necessary to adjust the wheel alignment following this intervention.

There have been several suppliers of track rod ends throughout the production of the Mini. It is possible that the gaiter mentioned in this tutorial does not fit your track rod end.

The selling price of a new track rod end is really affordable. Carefully analyze the condition of the track rod end before placing the order of the gaiter. If in doubt (oxidation, play) order two new track rod ends.

The track rod end fixing nuts (GFK3323) are nyloc 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

Detach the track rod end from the steering arm (➔ see tutorial ''Track rod end change'' Op 01 to 04).

Op 02

Remove the track rod end gaiter and its retaining spring. Use the small flathead screwdriver to release the spring and remove the gaiter by hand.

Fit the track rod end gaiter

Op 03

Thoroughly clean the track rod end.
Grease the track rod end.

Op 04

Fit the new gaiter (21A425) on the track rod end. Engage it by hand.

Op 05

Fit the 1st cable tie on the gaiter.
Tighten the cable tie moderately. Use the cable tie pliers.
Cut off the end of the cable tie that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.

Op 06

Fit the 2nd cable tie on the gaiter.
Tighten the cable tie moderately. Use the cable tie pliers.
Cut off the end of the cable tie that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.

Op 07

Fit the track rod end on the steering arm (➔ see tutorial '' Track rod end gaiter change'' Op 11 to 13).

The End

The new gaiter is in place. The track rod end is protected again.
Please feel free to ask a question or to write a comment at the bottom of the page if you wish.

Track rod end gaiter change on Austin Mini

Remove the track rod end gaiter

Fit the track rod end gaiter

Detach the track rod end from the steering arm (➔ see tutorial ''Track rod end change'' Op 01 to 04).

Remove the track rod end gaiter and its retaining spring. Use the small flathead screwdriver to release the spring and remove the gaiter by hand.

Thoroughly clean the track rod end.Grease the track rod end.

Fit the new gaiter (21A425) on the track rod end. Engage it by hand.

Fit the 1st cable tie on the gaiter.Tighten the cable tie moderately. Use the cable tie pliers.Cut off the end of the cable tie that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.

Fit the 2nd cable tie on the gaiter.Tighten the cable tie moderately. Use the cable tie pliers.Cut off the end of the cable tie that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.

Fit the track rod end on the steering arm (➔ see tutorial '' Track rod end gaiter change'' Op 11 to 13).

The new gaiter is in place. The track rod end is protected again.Please feel free to ask a question or to write a comment at the bottom of the page if you wish.

Thoroughly clean the track rod end.
Grease the track rod end.

Fit the 1st cable tie on the gaiter.
Tighten the cable tie moderately. Use the cable tie pliers.
Cut off the end of the cable tie that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.

Fit the 2nd cable tie on the gaiter.
Tighten the cable tie moderately. Use the cable tie pliers.
Cut off the end of the cable tie that sticks out. Use the cutting pliers.

The new gaiter is in place. The track rod end is protected again.
Please feel free to ask a question or to write a comment at the bottom of the page if you wish.