Track rod end ?
I have traced a vibration in the steering to a worn track rod end as shown in the photo.
I have never replaced one like this before, could someone please enlighten me, thanks.
Hi you can buy that end from MB... if it had been the other end then you have to buy the complete rod...(GBP 190 + vat) just release the clamps and the nut at the ball end ( use a wedge to break the taper ) and screw the old end out..put the new one in and count the number of turns to be the same as the one you removed ..then go to a tyre fitter and get the tracking adjusted..
That's because all you have to do is slacken both clamps and turn the double ended threaded rod (1 left thread and one right thread) in the middle to adjust the length, rather than removing the end to enable you to turn it for adjustment, which is probably what someone like LR would do, and it would leak oil too. Oops, did I just say that, or was I thinking that?
Now I understand, very clever.
So if the trackrod end I am replacing is on the lefthand side of the car is that a right or left hand thread ?
I need to order the part via the internet so would prefer not to dismantle it until the new part is delivered.
Hi, I don't know which it is without looking, but shouldn't matter because I doubt whether you could order either left or right, it will be standard. Cheers
Guys please read through this post for more info on what could go wrong:
http://gwoa.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=6198
Guys please read through this post for more info on what could go wrong:
http://gwoa.co.uk/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=6198
Wow, that's a bit of an epic problem!
Thanks for the link otherwise I might well have been going round in circles trying to get the right part.
It appears I need a right hand thread in M22. I was going to get one off this site
http://www.eurotruck-importers.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_86
but it appears they only supply them in M24, I wonder if this is the size fitted to later 463 models.
It looks like I will have to take the old part into the MB dealership to ensure I get the correct new one. Maybe I should just put up with the steering vibration :(
Hi if the vibration occurs around 50mph it could be the steering damper...if the gaiter is not split and there is no sloppiness in the track rod end your problem is most likely steering damper .....
Fixwin is correct, as usual........ Jack up the side you think is gone so the wheel is off the ground and the vehicle is secure.
Catch the wheel at 9 and 3 o clock and try rock it from front to back. If there is a looseness in any part of the movement then its the track rod end, investigate more by havin a mate do what you did to the wheel and you have a look at the joints as he shakes it.
No movement investigate the steering damper and if gone(little or no resistance felt) replace with the one off a 463 model as its bigger and stronger but still fits.
Regards,
Mike
PS When jacked up also check the bearings by shaking the wheel at 12 and 6 o clock.
Hi thanks for the advice. It is definetly a worn trackrod end.
The bearings and steering damper are fine as they were both replaced about 6000 miles ago.
I had the bearings replaced on all four wheels and the labour time was quite high. Is it an awkward job?
I am trying to source a new trackrod end from my local MB dealer who as predicted is trying to sell me the complete trackrod. I will have to go in personaly with the old part to get what I want which is a pain in the arse as it's a 150mile round trip. Which is exactly what I was trying to avoid by doing the job myself :!: :!:
If you can find the right part number from that long thread posted above, just give that number to the dealer to order, without your VIN, but if it turns out to be the wrong number, then you'll be stuck with the part. Or if you like order both lh/rh threads and use the correct one and flog the other one on ebay, there are many more LHD Gs on the continent than RHD.
Some of the parts pictured here might help you identify what you need:
http://fourbyfourclub.com/W463SuspensionParts/W463SUSPENSION1.htm
The only way you will know for sure which end you need is to check the actual threads and/or part number.
I know of more than one occasion where the end that the EPC was wrong in regards to which end to get as there are about 2 or three different size diameter ends in both LH and RH threading... so 4-6 possible ends....
The part is not expensive - I would get it from an MB dealer as that way if they order the wrong part it is their responsibility to change it for the correct one.
The part is not expensive - I would get it from an MB dealer as that way if they order the wrong part it is their responsibility to change it for the correct one.
My experience with my dealer:
If I give them the part number, they will order it (lots of fuss at the beginning, now they're used to it) but will not return if wrong.
If however I get them to look up the part on their system using my VIN, and there is any confusion with the part, they will do the necessary to get the right one.
Thankyou both for your input.
There would appear to be three sizes of trackrod end M20, M22 and M24. The M20 seems to be fitted to 460 models and the M22 to 463 models up to 1994 when it was replaced by the M24 size. My G is a '93 463 which should be a M22 fitting.
There seems to be a problem with the EPC which appears to give the wrong part No. for RHD vehicles. This results in the trackrod end having the wrong handed thread. I am still attempting to work out which thread is required for which side on a RHD G.
I am reluctant to dismantle my G until I know that I can obtain the correct part from my MB dealer so I will persevere with attempting to track down the right part number. Thanks again for your help.
If anyone is still interested and has not lost the will to live I have a result :D
Part No. 004607248 is a M22 R/H thread steering link trackrod end for a pre '94 RHD 463.
The crucial information required is the part number for the actual trackrod(draglink) which then allows you to match it to the correct trackrod end.
There does'nt appear to be any available via the internet, they are all post '94 M24 sizes. So I will order one on Monday from MB, probably only after a 40 min phone conversation :?
Good a result and saves a 150 mile trip too....... you will probally have to collect it in person though...................................he, heeee!
Regards,
Mike
There would appear to be three sizes of trackrod end M20, M22 and M24. The M20 seems to be fitted to 460 models and the M22 to 463 models up to 1994 when it was replaced by the M24 size. My G is a '93 463 which should be a M22 fitting.
There seems to be a problem with the EPC which appears to give the wrong part No. for RHD vehicles. This results in the trackrod end having the wrong handed thread. I am still attempting to work out which thread is required for which side on a RHD G.
It's not so simple - what appears to be according to manuals, epcs, datacards or whatever and what is actually fitted to your physical G are often two different things.
It doesn't matter if it's LHD or RHD. Hence why I would always visually check your G.
Interestingly I haven't seen an end like the one you posted but then I am more familiar with 463s.
Also as M2dxb says... let MB tell you which you need unless you want a collection of ends...
The crucial information required is the part number for the actual trackrod(draglink) which then allows you to match it to the correct trackrod end.
I might be able to help, but please use this information at your own risk.
My vehicle (1991 300GES 463.227) needed a drag link at MoT time back in 2007, and the dealer ordered what I assume is the correct one, as it was fitted with no trouble since (£163.30 in 5/2007). The number was A463 460 0205 (DRAG LINK).
Also if you check on your existing drag link, perhaps you can find a number on there?
Update on this, changed the exact same bit on the 300GE (1991 RHD), part number from EPC was A6023300235 (~£70) and it was a straight swap.
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Hi thanks for the advice. It was the two clamps that were confusing me slightly.
If the trackrod end screws to the end of the rod as normal why does it have the two clamps as well?
Maybe just an example of MBs belt and braces approach when designing the G?