Track Rod Ends ??

[Aletank]

I think, not sure though, my track rod end might be on its way out here's my symptoms -
1. When I got my full steering lock on and turning right there's like a rumbling noise, mainly sounds like its coming from the near side front wheel.The noise is worse when turning on a camber, say for example straightening up after reversing out of the drive.
2. Jacked the car up today and there's a slight bit of play when you shake the wheel, not much though and can here a slight click if you listen closely.
3. My Near Side Front tyre is worn on the outer edge all the others are fine even the off side front is fine.

The main symptoms being the rumbling noise when I've got my full lock on and that tyre worn, The play and clicking noise when shaking the wheel is only very very slight.

The car is due for a B Service the end of the month so might mention it then and its due a MOT in February too. The cars done 60,000 miles

Anybody any ideas - could it be the track rod end ??

Thanks for any suggestions/advice

 

[jimmy]

Could be the track rod end, is there a delay between moving the steering wheel and the wheel moving compared to the other side? Might not be that noticable yet. Usually you associate wheel noise and play with a worn/faulty wheel bearing.

 

[Aletank]

is there a delay between moving the steering wheel and the wheel moving compared to the other side?

havent looked at that, will do tomorrow though

Usually you associate wheel noise and play with a worn/faulty wheel bearing.

Wouldn't the rumbling noise be all the time when going along in a straight line, No noise at the moment in a straight line.
Only very very slight play at the moment too

 

[esox]

Sounds like wheel bearing.When on full lock the steering geometry changes from the position its in at straight ahead so putting additional load on bearings.Raise car,hold tyre at 3&9 o clock position and wiggle-look at track rod end to see/feel any play(will need someone to do the wiggling !)If no play suspect wheel bearing.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I would be 99% sure it was a wheel bearing. The play will be more than you think as the Brake pads tend to hold the disk in place when wiggling the wheel. On a full lock extra load is applied to the bearing, if its lose it grumbles.

sorry just read esox thread.

 

[Aletank]

On a full lock extra load is applied to the bearing, if its lose it grumbles.

A grumble is what it is !!
Would the bearing cause my tyre wear on the outer edge or is that just my tracking needs doin ? Only 1 tyre out of 4 worn
Might the bearing nut(castle nut) just want tightening up,come a bit lose over the years ?
Should these be replaced in 2's
Anybody any ideas on cost for a Bearing/s ?

Thanks for the replies guys - Especially Ian for the Grumble term thats exactly waht it is on full lock.

 

[esox]

Actually its rumble,not grumble;-)

 

[Ian B Walker]

Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment

1) Losen wheel and jack up car.

2) Place axel stand (or something similar) under car and remove wheel.

3) Prise stub end sealing cap with large screwdriver (on r/h wheel mind the radio suppressor thingie in end of stub axel)

4) Using a 5mm allan key slacken off the bearing nut (NB there is no conventional nut here as in other cars)

5) Unscrew bearing retainer and wiggle wheel.

6) tighten retainer up again till tight, turning wheel while doing this.

7) when wheel pinches on bearing, hit stub end with rubber hammer.

8) slacken off bearing retainer 1/8 of a turn. Tighten allen screw.

9) re assemble everything and test.

Hope this helps

 

[Aletank]

Thanks guys :bannana:

Just followed Ians helpful guide Much better than the Haynes manual, Took the bearing out there was a little play in it but i think there should be some. Put it back together as instructed and the noise seems to have gone, done a couple of 360* full lock turns and seems to be OK .

I managed to put a screwdriver hole in the Hub Gease Cap getting it off, was real awkward, But will get a new one tomorrow from the dealer.Didn't seem to have much grease in there fro mthe factory, I'll pack it properly tomorrow when i get the new cap.

I'll get my tracking done and a new tyre before the MOT and all should be OK got a B-Service later on this month too.

Thanks for all the advice & guidence guys, I feel a lot better now that "Grumble" has gone lol