9 replies to this topic

[oli8925]

Hi,

Does anyone know the size of nut needed for the rod ends on a 1992 Mini City 1000? They are the originals.

The hub needs to come off to be rebuilt but the nut is just spinning the joint and is pretty corroded, so easiest option would be to find some new ones and split the old ones off.

Thanks, Oli


P.s. I would like to say that when I said this

Cant wait to get my hands dirty on a mini again!

here, it was in fact a massive, dirty lie!

[Ethel]

Track rod, tie rod...

Have a look at Somerford's online parts catalogues
http://www.somerford...j2ibu726najund1

[Dan]

Not sure if you mean track rods or ball joints pins. The track rod ends are 1/2 UNF. Any nuts you buy will have to be the correct grade.

[oli8925]

Sorry, mean track rod ends.

Thanks, so they're UNF sizing and not metric? Somerford lists either 3/8 UNF thread or M10's, so I'll fire them off an email.

[Dan]

Well the ends of the track rods are 1/2 UNF, that's what I thought you were asking about. But the track rod end swivel pins aren't and as Somerford say they can be either metric or imperial.

[Nu2mini]

Not sure about the actual size of the nut, but just having changed the track rod end this weekend I can say that the new one I fitted was a nylock. Also have you freed the track rod end pin from the hub with a ball joint splitter ? The pin on the end of the nuckle is taper so even when you get the nut loose you can't get the rod end off until you split the joint. The alternative to a ball joint splitter is to get the nut loose, preferably to the top of the pin and then stike down hard on the pin and nut with a hammer until the joint spilts. It may need some persuading, but it will give eventually.

[oli8925]

They should always be Nylocs, but it's just whether it's metric or imperial that is the problem. I have got a reply from Somerford, they say at that time there were two companies manufacturing OE track rod ends, one was metric and the other was imperial, and there is no way to tell.

They suggest buying two of each nut, but I'm now thinking I might as well replace the rod ends while I'm at this stage. How much difference is there between genuine and non-genuine track rod ends? There's an £8 difference between them per joint, so a fair amount. Would like to save money if I can, but if it will cause issues I'd rather spend on a decent quality item.

Joint has been split one side where the the nut started to undo. The other side didn't undo at all though so can't split it yet, but I have a splitter so is all good.

[Nu2mini]

How much difference is there between genuine and non-genuine track rod ends?

An interesting question. The reason I was changing one this weekend was because a non-genuine one that had been on for less than 6 months and 1000 miles failed. The other side which has never been touched since the car was built in 93 is still going strong. Now one example isn't a very scientific sample, but it does make you stop and think. Never mind it's partner bought at the same time is now on. I'll let you know how I get on in another 1000 miles.

[oli8925]

I fear I may get a hefty slap if I leave the Mini on axle stands that long seeing as it's the girlfriends

'Tis interesting though. I always go for genuine if I can but it can get expensive. I could well leave the track rod ends as they are, and just buy two sets of nuts as that would only be £2 and the current rod ends may be fine. They've done 22k miles in 19 years though, so I don't know if it might be worth replacing them.

The whole reason I need them off is because of a horrible squeak from the wheel. I've taken the driveshaft off and replaced the UJ but it actually looked alright. The hub bearings on the other hand are awful and bone dry, so it makes me wonder if anything's actually been greased in it's life. Not that you can grease the rod end so shouldn't make a difference

Edited by oli8925, 31 January 2011 - 01:17 PM.

[luvlygal]

I fear I may get a hefty slap if I leave the Mini on axle stands that long seeing as it's the girlfriends

I'm so glad to see that you know me so well

Thanks for all your help though - even if you do claim to dislike Ernie when something goes wrong. Don't worry, I've told him you don't mean it!