27 replies to this topic

[Mangham54]

i know nothing about car mechanics but i have just started getting a creaking/clunking noise coming from behind my steering wheel (steering rack?) and wondered if this could be the track rod ends?

any help highly appreciated and sorry for being such a biff!

When is this?

If it is when you are moving very slowly and having to put some real effort in to turn it, then I wouldn't really worry about it. If it is happening all the time then there are a few possibilities:

1. The universal (I think that is what they are called) joints between the Steering wheel and the steering rack could be worn or loose.
2. The TREs (possibly - though the knock I would have thought would be more noticable towards that corner of the car)
3. Actually I have run out of ideas.... I am sure a few other will be along to add to the list.

[Z.I.]

i know nothing about car mechanics but i have just started getting a creaking/clunking noise coming from behind my steering wheel (steering rack?) and wondered if this could be the track rod ends?

any help highly appreciated and sorry for being such a biff!

When is this?

If it is when you are moving very slowly and having to put some real effort in to turn it, then I wouldn't really worry about it. If it is happening all the time then there are a few possibilities:

1. The universal (I think that is what they are called) joints between the Steering wheel and the steering rack could be worn or loose.
2. The TREs (possibly - though the knock I would have thought would be more noticable towards that corner of the car)
3. Actually I have run out of ideas.... I am sure a few other will be along to add to the list.

thanks for the reply. reading through a few old posts on here i think it might be the universal joints. the noise and feeling is really noticeable when stationary and turning the wheel side to side. feels like its coming from that sort of region too so ill have a look at the UJs tomorrow. hopefully a cheap/free fix

[smiley]

2 questions on these: Does the nut require loctite when putting back? How much torque when putting the nut back?

[FLD]

In case it helps both tie rod ball joints are available separately from lotarse. About 12 quid each I think. Give Paul at Chris Neils a ring, he can source them. I too have pikey TRE's. Loads of thread used so no killer aspect here.

[smiley]

2 questions on these:
Does the nut require loctite when putting back?
How much torque when putting the nut back?

Questions were for track rod ends.

[techieboy]

No they don't need threadlock, you should get a new Nyloc nut for with them. 30Nm according to TIS.

[smiley]

Thanks Techie

[mclarensboss]

Track Rod Ends to fit the VX220 and Lotus S2 availabvle here. http://www.seriously...nd-211-118.html The S1 track Rod Ends will fit but are 10mm shorter and do not engage enough on the threads. Rear toe link Joints also available