Hi Guys and Gals

Got new tires fitted to the front of my Zed and asked to have the tracking done as it's pulling to the left. The bloke said the lock nuts on the track rods have siezed and they cant undo them. I suggested a longer spanner but I just got puzzled looks. Took the car round to several other 'garages' and they said there is nothing they can do. Apparantly if you heat them up they will fail MOT as the plastic in the trackrod end will melt.

Any one here have any ideas?? I'm unable to do the work my self as I'm on holiday at ATM. Its not a major drama as I'm getting it all replaces in the near future.

Thanks

Andrew :)

Sorry if I dont reply immidiatly, in some internet cafe. Cant seem to stay away from this site LOL! :dance:

Are you anywhere nice Andrew? if they are being replaced soon then get them heated up and removed.

Hey Rich, I'm in Reading at the mo. Having a good time chilling by the river with a pint :duffer:

I'm ages away from an MOT so do you reckon the track rods will be alright to last another couple of thousand miles if I heat them up to loosen the nuts??? Just that with new tires on the front I dont want then to wear the inner edges too much!

I cant see it hurting for a couple of thousand miles, worst that could happen is you melt the rubber dust caps on them, these were not even part of the MOT till a year or two ago.

it will only fail if there is evidence of "excessive heat" applied to the joint. a little bit of gentle warming is often all thats needed & will not do any harm!

 

its usually just the locknut that is seized & heat can be applied just to this.

Another way to get them to loosen without heat is to belt the nut with a hammer whilst holding another (preferably bigger) hammer at the other side of the nut... sometimes works sometimes doesnt but worth a try

Thanks for the help guys... Now to find a garage willing to do it! Will try the hammer method first though! :smash: :smash: :smash: