Drag links and track rods

Headtester · Jul 18, 2015

Evening all

I've got a knocking noise coming from the front end of my Disco when I turn. Having looked at Rave and searched on Landyzone I think I've got the different parts identified properly but wanted to check first.

Is the Drag Link the rod at the front that goes from the steering box drop arm to the front of the nearside wheel?

Is the Track Rod the longer rod that links the rear of both front wheels?

I think it's the Drag Link ball joint on the nearside that's gone but I'm inclined to replace the whole thing. Is there anything else I should consider - such as the Panhard Rod bushes? - How would I check them?

Any help, advice or useful links would be appreciated.

Cheers

Headtester · Jul 22, 2015

I know we've all been busy with getting used to the new look forum but has anyone got any ideas about drag links and track rods?

DiscoPol · Jul 22, 2015

Yep the track rod is the longer one at the back of the axle and the drag is the shorter one at the front.

Headtester · Jul 22, 2015

Thanks DiscoPol - it appears only the drag link ball is clunking but is it worth replacing both drag link and track rod or would you do them one at a time?

ratty · Jul 22, 2015

Headtester said:
Thanks DiscoPol - it appears only the drag link ball is clunking but is it worth replacing both drag link and track rod or would you do them one at a time?

At a fiver a pop I just change my track rod and drag link ends as a set so I know they are all new.

Headtester · Jul 22, 2015

Thanks Ratty. On one end of the rods the ball joint is removable, the other end is fixed or pressed on to the main arm so I'll have to replace the whole unit. They're about £50 each for the whole assembly.

ratty · Jul 22, 2015

Headtester said:
Thanks Ratty. On one end of the rods the ball joint is removable, the other end is fixed or pressed on to the main arm so I'll have to replace the whole unit. They're about £50 each for the whole assembly.

Heavy duty steering arms complete with greasable ball joints are only around £65 the pair from paddocks.

Headtester · Jul 22, 2015

Like this you mean? Link Good call, thank you.

ratty · Jul 22, 2015

Headtester said:
Like this you mean? Link Good call, thank you.

That's the buggers

ratty · Jul 22, 2015

Headtester said:
Like this you mean? Link Good call, thank you.

Standard track rod ends fit them when it does come time to change them again.

Headtester · Jul 22, 2015

Ok, been reading up a bit more; how do I check the radius arm bushes please?

Headtester · Jul 25, 2015

Changed both drag link and track rod today, two of the joints came off easily. I had to grind one of the others off and drill through the last one to get a pin in to hold it still whilst I undid the bolt.
It drives a lot better, I just need to centralise the steering wheel now - job for tomorrow as I've had enough for today.

TrilloThrillo110 · Jul 25, 2015

So you went ahead with HD arms?

Headtester · Jul 25, 2015

No - went with OEM ones in the end, needed to get it fixed sooner rather than later and the local indy dealer had them in stock

Disco DJ · Jul 26, 2015

Should you get the tracking checked after changing the drag link?
I did.

MGBGTV8 · Jul 26, 2015

Our D1 currently has a front end rattle.
It's the brake pads moving around in the caliper. I'm not buying mintex pads again. They last 5 minutes and this latest set aren't even big enough.

Headtester · Jul 26, 2015

Disco DJ said:
Should you get the tracking checked after changing the drag link?
I did.

Yes I plan to get the tracking checked - I'd measured the new and old lengths of both the drag link and the track rod assemblies to it's pretty close but probably still needs tweaking.

Drag links and track rods

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ratty

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