Headtester

Active Member

• Jul 18, 2015

• #1

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

Active Member

• Jul 22, 2015

• #2

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

Well-Known Member

• Jul 22, 2015

• #3

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

Active Member

• Jul 22, 2015

• #4

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

I'm not special I'm limited edition

• Jul 22, 2015

• #5

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?

Click to expand...

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

Active Member

• Jul 22, 2015

• #6

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

I'm not special I'm limited edition

• Jul 22, 2015

• #7

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.

Click to expand...

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

 

Headtester

Active Member

• Jul 22, 2015

• #8

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

 

ratty

I'm not special I'm limited edition

• Jul 22, 2015

• #9

Headtester said:

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

Click to expand...

That's the buggers

 

ratty

I'm not special I'm limited edition

• Jul 22, 2015

• #10

Headtester said:

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

Click to expand...

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

 

Headtester

Active Member

• Jul 22, 2015

• #11

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

 

Headtester

Active Member

• Jul 25, 2015

• #12

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

Active Member

• Jul 25, 2015

• #13

So you went ahead with HD arms?

 

Headtester

Active Member

• Jul 25, 2015

• #14

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

Active Member

• Jul 26, 2015

• #15

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

 

MGBGTV8

Active Member

• Jul 26, 2015

• #16

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

Active Member

• Jul 26, 2015

• #17

Disco DJ said:

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

Click to expand...

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.