Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Track rods

Has anybody had to change a track rod yet, mine has play in the joint that is hidden under the steering rack gaiter. The track rod just screws into the end of the steering rack so is easily replaceable. This joint is not adjustable for wear so needs replacing.

I contacted Quaife and they just referred me to Morgan, who did surprisingly respond to my email. They do not sell just the track rod only a complete rack at £772, a bit excessive when I need only a £20 part.

The track rod itself looks very much like a Febi Bilstein part but I need to take it apart to check the threads before I continue the hunt, if any body has already done this it would save me.

Look at the Alternative Parts List.

The first place I looked

Do any MG parts swap?

It has been suggested by others on this forum that the internals may be Ford Escort Mk 3 or 4 spec items. I have not had the chance to confirm this yet but it could be a place to start looking Rog. A complete Escort rack is from available from about £50. Very interested in any findings you may have, I will be doing the same soon! Is the worn track rod end the problem causing the rack clunk that many of us have?

I have been looking at Ford track rods and I think that one of those is either the exact item or one that can be shortened slightly at the outboard end to fit. I am waiting on a tool to remove the track rod in-situ so I don't have to remove the rack. I can then confirm the correct threads and I will post my findings.

You need a pickle fork to pop loose the tie rod. Simple procedure.

It's the inboard end under the gaiter up against the rack that is the issue, it is 32mm a/f but there is too much in the way to get a spanner on it, you can get a tool which slides over the rod once you have disconnected and removed the outer track rod end which then engages on the inner end to undo.

I see, and that sure is a pita.

After searching through hundreds of track rods I could not find one exactly right, so I have used track rod from a Ford Fiesta MK5 2000-2012 from Febi Bilsten which is 277 mm long, OEM no 2S6C3280KB Febi Bilsten part no 22767. Cost £14.05

This needed shortening by 17mm and is then a straight replacement.

Dismantling and refitting is really easy with this tool, you don't need to jack the car up, or remove either the wheel or mudguard. Release the track rod end from the stub axle steering arm, Remove track rod end from track rod, remove lock nut and rubber gaiter. Place tool over track rod end engage on flats of track rod and undo from rack. Fitting is reverse, with the addition of Loctite on the thread that screws into the rack.