5EXi Front Track Rod Ends

[eaa53]

This thread has been started before but the final detail I have been unable to find via searching the 5Exi forum.

I retrieved my car from TD after set up and odd other bits today and one of the comments from Dave was that the fitted TRE's are the wrong thread:-

Quote
'It is also VERY important to note that the TRE's are 1/2 UNF female.
The track rod from the rack is M12 x 1.25. This means that the outside of the rod is 12mm - the tapping diameter for 1/2 is 11mm - the depth of the tread is 1mm '

Clearly it fits but its not safe long term.

Can anyone tell me what car they identified as the original use, to replace the ones you got on your 5exi?

I need to buy a couple and not sure if it’s Metro as per the original Marlin supplied rack or something different. I have no recourse to Marlin because I did not buy the kit direct from them.

I know limpabit had the same problem and historically other builders (Bigfella, TurboMarlin to name a couple have commented) have identified the problem but there is no recorded solution/answer.

If anyone knows post it up.
When I find out I will add more detail.

[alackofspeed]

John you have email.

Non-pas Metro is what I bought.

The supplied ones were quite dodgy in my opinion (obviously I don't know what the relative strength of the correct and incorrect rod interfaces is...) - I can't believe in retrospect that I was ignorant enough to believe they were okay. It was only when I replaced the track rod ends on a friend's car, that I realised how wrong the fitment was on mine, and I promptly bought new TREs.

The metro rod ends, are longer than the supplied, so not only is the thread engagement correct, but the depth of engagement is better.

[limpabit]

Funny enough, I was in conversation with another 5exi builder about this over the weekend (as I'm having trouble with my lower balljoint. No real help from Marlin).

The TRE at the front look identical to the rear control arms on the original rear suspension setup. the only difference. The thread!

I can't beleive the amount of mix and match between imperial and metric on the car (another one is the shock bolts).

[eaa53]

To refresh, I have a Marlin supplied steering rack that I believe is a Metro std rack. The standard non PAS rack uses 1/2 UNF thread for the rod ends.

The Track Rod Ends I have are M12 metric 1.25 and fit the rod thread but are not the correct mechanical fit and before the lock nut is tightent up it is loose on the rod, like it jiggles about on the rod!

Mechanically there is only .5mm of threaded metal holding the rod and the track rod end together.

The standard Metro Track rod end is 1/2 UNF x 20 TPI (teeth per inch)

The Quintin and Hazel part number for a single unit is QR1823S,

The VELO part unmber is VB370

both sides are listed the same.

The cost in 2009/2010 is approx. £5 each from my local factors.


Hope that helps.

[limpabit]

Thanks John.

It's important information like this that should be made a sticky on the forum. To make this information easier to find in future.

[limpabit]

Just an update on the track rod ends.

Just tried QR1420S as the local motor factors said it was the QR1823S replacement.

Very sloppy fit on the threads.

Not sure where to go know for a replacement part.

[alackofspeed]

QH's online catalogue still lists the QR1423S as the correct code for a Metro Tie Rod end.

Austion Metro 1980-84, 1.0 litre engine.

Might be worth downloading the online catalogue.

http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/marketp...feringID=10761

[limpabit]

Hi John.

Thanks for the link.

I'll see if I can do some digging on the 1420S/1823s differences. In the mean time, I'll see if I can get hold of a QR1823S and try that.

[limpabit]

Righto. Found a couple of things.

QH only has one part number listed for all metro's, QR1823S.

But first line has two:

80-90
http://www.firstline.co.uk/op3/f_ste...%20Rover&mmeid[0]=3736&mmeid[1]=3737&model=Metro&variant=-&subvariant=(1980-90)&engine=&product=Steering&var_desc[0]=3736__3996&var_desc[1]=3737__3997

90-95
http://www.firstline.co.uk/op3/f_ste...oduct=Steering

The difference being, the earlier metro ones are imperial, the later metic as per John's post above.

I've guessing I have the wrong firstline part.

[peterux]

That's a handy website, thanks!