7 replies to this topic

[Steve Crisp]

Hi, I need to replace the ball-joints on the rear tie-rods. I know the part numbers for the actual joints -A116D0034F (Ball-joint, outer, RH thread) and A116D0035F (Ball-joint, inner, LH thread) - but I'm told by Vauxhall Basingstoke, that I have to order the complete tie-rod with both new bearings attached (£68 plus VAT). Can anyone confirm that this is so? I'm sure people here have bought the seperate items... Steve

[Muncher]

Hangar111.com will sell you the separate ends for about £20. Be sure to get a new retaining nut with each one as they are of a different thread size to the old ones.

[Steve Crisp]

Hangar111.com will sell you the separate ends for about £20. Be sure to get a new retaining nut with each one as they are of a different thread size to the old ones.

Thanks Muncher. I give them a go.


Steve

[RWinstanley]

The Lotus outer tie rod end is different to the VX on the threaded bolt that goes into the hub carrier is a larger diameter and won't fit, I posted a picture of the difference at the begining of the year. The Inner, wishbone, tie rod end is the same apart from the thread is a M10x1.25 instead of a standard M10x1.5. If you have trouble getting a nut PM me i think i've still got a spare i can chuck in the post. Rob

Edited by RWinstanley, 16 October 2006 - 09:23 PM.

[bigbadben]

I wrote an entry on this in the FAQ's - take a look > here < There are variations between the Vauxhall parts and the Elise bits that (if you're not careful) could have you wasting time and money...

Replacement of mine cost me ~£95 and about 4 hours of my time. Oh, and £120 on a Plans geo setup (which i guarantee you will need!).

Edited by bigbadben, 16 October 2006 - 11:45 PM.

[Anarchy]

How do you know if they need doing? Will the wheel wobble? When my car gets hot there is a creaking at the rear off side, its been suggested it might be just dry rubber boots on the TRE, no wheel wobble though.

[bigbadben]

no, the wheel won't wobble! the creaking is caused by the rubber boot, that protects the ball joint (TRE), failing and letting in dirt. It tends to occur more often on the exhaust side (near side) where the heat dries out the boot and makes it crack. A preventative measure might be to remove the rear wheels and rub some silicone grease into the boots Something to be mindful of is a possible loosening of the undertray bolts. check and tighten these before wading into either of the TRE's!!

Edited by bigbadben, 17 October 2006 - 10:36 AM.

[Steve Crisp]

How do you know if they need doing? Will the wheel wobble?

When my car gets hot there is a creaking at the rear off side, its been suggested it might be just dry rubber boots on the TRE, no wheel wobble though.

My symptom is a creaking noise from the near-side when the car's on a long journey. The longer the journey the more the creaking gets worse. I've done around 50k. I changed the shock-absorber as a first attempt at a cure, but the noise is still there.

Had to laugh by the way. Vauhall wanted £8 each (plus VAT) for the nylock nuts! The ball-joints come without them. I got ten from the local nut & bolt place for £2.50. The thread pitch is 1.25 though, so be careful.


Steve