Track rod end ball joint?

[ratfink_v70_2000]

1999/2000 V70.
Car just passed MOT today with one advisory:- Nearside front track rod end ball joint has slight play. Just wondering what's involved in fixing this, parts etc, is it a big job, easy or what? Any advice welcomed in advance.
Cheers, Rich.

[DSK]

For the ball joint I just bought a complete wishbone from Eurocarparts as that comes with new bushes and ball joint in place so its a bolt off - bolt on job.

Track rod end is also cheap around £15 or so and thats easy enough to DIY if you are mechanically minded.

[charlotte001]

Replacing the track rod end is simple takes around a few minutes maybe an hour depends how many cups of tea you have between [model variants apply]

Remove wheel
Undo lower ball joint bolt
With ball joint seperator disconnect the ball joint from the seat [you can use a bar or hammer to seperate the proper tool is quicker]

Make sure you note how many threads there are free
Loosen the catch bolt at the end of the track rod to the tie rod [just loosen dont remove yet]

Unwind ball joint [throw in the bin]

Refitting is reverse you may have a new bolt with the track rod end marking where the outside of the old bolt is with tape remove it wind the new one on stopping 1 thread before the tape [why one thread as you loosened the old one it goes back 1 thread]

Slot track rod post into the holder fit the lower bolt torquing up to the specific figure

Tighten the catch bolt

Refit the wheel

Job done

You may need your tracking reset afterwards most good tyre companies do this

Charlotte

[ratfink_v70_2000]

Cheers DSK and Charlotte. Think I'll do these in summer when I do brakes and oil. Thanks.