Replacement of Steering gaiter and steering (track) rod ends

[RSM Masser]

A split steering gaiter is an MoT failure as is a worn ball joint - its a relatively simple fix requiring only a socket set, a trolley jack and axle stand plus a few other tools like pliers and spanners. All the bits are available from eurospares at £29 for 2 steering gaiters and clips and £45 for a track rod end - I would recommend replacing both, nearside and offside. The whole job took less than 2 hours.
I took loads of photos but seem to have trouble uploading them in the right order, I will put them on a powerpoint presentation with instructions so if any body wants to know how to do this easy fix and save a few quid PM me.
Note the tracking needs to be set by a specialist afterwards - I can tell you how to set it back roughly with a steel ruler - but you cant beat the laser tracking systems available today.
Symptons of this fault are worn inside edge of tyres, vague steering, knocking or jolting from wheels on full lock.

 

[Parisien]

Looking forward to it RSM......thanks!


P

 

[RSM Masser]

Forgot to mention same parts for 3200 and 4200, cant comment on others but principal is the same

 

[2b1ask1]

Hi RSM,

Great information; what was the milleage of this motor?

Thanks

 

[RSM Masser]

Hi RSM,

Great information; what was the milleage of this motor?

Thanks

Its only 46K, gaiters can perish at any mileage as they are exposed to all the road conditions, in fact lower mileage does not always help especially if the car has stood for a time, they get brittle or perish

 

[Klive]

If anyone is thinking of doing this then RSM's presentation is excellent to follow.

 

[Parisien]

Excellent once again...thanks!


P

 

[RSM Masser]

Presentation link below

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/uploads/how_to_replace_steering_ball_joints.ppt

Thanks to Matt for doing the clever stuff

 

[Parisien]

Quality stuff guys.........many thanks RSM...another precious and money saving piece of work !!


P

 

[rs48635]

Top banana!

 

[conaero]

Presentation link below

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/uploads/how_to_replace_steering_ball_joints.ppt

Thanks to Matt for doing the clever stuff

Hum, no, thanks to you for taking the time to do this, its very much appreciated.

 

[rs48635]

Nice work all.

The metal clips look same as used on my Alfa, and can be re-used. Apparently a special tool should be used. I managed to "pinch and release", using water pump pliers as shown in the pictures. Before securing gaiters I would turn the wheel lock to lock, checking for slack or fouling. Also add a ring of grease when piston is at both full and minumum extension. 02c

On the 911 the whole arm is available as a kit. The socket part has "flats" at innermost side of the socket. This allows it to be unscrewed form the rack

 

[Emtee]

Another brilliant "how-to". Big thanks to RSM for taking the extra time and effort to photograph and document the work. Kudos.

 

[rossyl]

Hi,

On this, is there any benefit replacing the track rod ends when doing the gaiters?

Thanks
R

 

[2b1ask1]

It wouldn't do any harm, not sure if they have been matched yet but they will be an off the shelf Alfa part by my reckoning at a fraction of the cost.

 

[rossyl]

Would be great if a match was found, as they've gone up to £54 from Eurospares, and now £36.50 for the gaiters.

 

[rossyl]

I think these are the correct parts - can anyone verify please?

http://www.eurospares.co.uk/searchResult_one.asp?S=980001706&TM=3&TMo=389&TA=1&TB=20947

http://www.eurospares.co.uk/searchResult_one.asp?S=980001707&TM=3&TMo=380&TA=1&TB=20157

 

[2b1ask1]

They look good but can you get your old ones saved and chuck them at me at the next meet, I'll get them matched up.

 

[timkee330ci]

http://www.maseratispares.com/1982-1998/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=100&products_id=390

The tie rod end is availavle at fraction of the cost here.

 

[hukent]

That's brilliant, works out at BOGOF, compared to UK price!