405 track rod end ball joint

[tj]

Hi all

I've just replaced the front hub bearing on a 1.8 td 405 and I cant get the track rod end ball joint nut back on as the ball joint spindle spins after a few turns of the nut. Is there any way to stop it spinning or is it time for a new track rod end ?

Cheers

Tony

[504gld]

My 504 does this to, and its the same part !!! The trick I use is to take a compress plumbing joint 15mm, unscrew and remove the open end nut. Place the nut under the ball joint and under that a block of wood. Jack up the wood so a fair amount of presure is againt the bottom the of ball joint. You should be able to bolt down the nut and torque it to the correct setting. On the 504 there is a grease nipple on the bottom of the ball joint, which the 405 wont have, the use of the nut just stop the nipple getting dammaged as it sinks in to the wood, but also grips the spindle to stop it moving.

[Donaldiesel]

Hi Tony,
Just to add to 504 GLDs good advice, the track rod ball joint pin is normally prevented from turning by the taper locking up in the hole. If it slips it could be because the taper is dirty or greasy or damaged. Check for any burrs which may have been caused when it was removed. I know this is an anoying problem, but usually resolved with the jack & piece of wood method above.
Regards,
Andrew

[tj]

Hi 504 GLD/Andrew

I think I just needed a bit of reassurance on this one as I'm more used to working on Landrovers and tractors

I've resorted to getting a mate to put a bit of pressure on a piece of timber that was wedged between the hub carrier and the top of the ball joint and used as a lever. Hey presto the taper locked nicely and the nuts torqued

Jobs finished now and the 405's back on the road. I guess it's like most of jobs, two pairs of hands are better than one ! as long as they don't go at jobs like a bull in a china shop ;D

Thanks again for the help

Tony