Tie Rod Ends?, confusion

[UFO]

In my quest to sort out the vibrating front end on my 96 V6 Exclusive, I have found that at least the left side tie rod end has a split boot and is probably well worn. I could probably assume that the right one is similar in wear.

I looked on the AEP website today and they seem to list two sizes. One is 18mm and the other 22mm. Comparing against GSF they stock only one size but that size excludes the 2.5 diesel.

Can I/Should I therefore assume that the larger 22mm is only for 2.5 diesel engine equipped cars (heavier front end I suppose) and that the 18mm size tie rod end is for all other models?

Discuss...

[techmanagain]

I don't think you can assume that suggestion, sensible as it would appear to be. The only sure way to get what you need would seem to be to measure before you order, though the VIN number could help the Parts Department to identify what is fitted to your vehicle (possibly). But who knows if the rack has been replaced since it was new?

[elma]

Measure the thing with a vernier caliper.
I had the same problem with a xantia.
I bought two track rod ends for a 1.9td and they gave me ones which were for a v6/2.1td.

[UFO]

Yes, I think the measurement with caliper will be the way to go. As I am probably going to order from GSF or AEP I need to make sure I am correct as return postage could be a cost I don't need.

[jackyboy]

I just changed both the tie rod ends on my 2.5td. I was told by the supplier that there atr 2 sizes for the XM range, the larger size coming in during 1994. If you want the supplier let me know (It wasn't GSF)

[UFO]

Well I sourced some tie rod ends from an Aussie importer (for any Aussies on here EAI in Melbourne - eai.net.au ) Price express posted to me was $80 for the two. Not too bad as from GSF they would have been 10pound each plus freight plus waiting... I think the GSF price would have been near to $70.

Better yet I ordered them yesterday and they arrived today. Not bad!

On the list of jobs for the weekend - in amongst checking the brakes and doing an oil change on the CX, building new engine mounts for the DS and Mrs UFO is sure to have some house or garden jobs

[jorgy9]

Hi Graig

what is the nature of thr vibration u r getting? I pressume u have a PRV auto V6?

On mine, which is a manual, the gear stick started vibrating when mildly accelerating in second gear, a year ago. It doesn't do it in other gears, and was not doing it at all in the before either.

cheers
George

[UFO]

The problem is as I have seen others describe in that there is a vibration at highway speeds, it goes away under acceleration and sometimes run down and the steering has a tendency to wander a little. There is also a rattle sometimes across corrugated surfaces directly tied to the front wheels hitting that surface.

I know that the ends have never been replaced on my car and that the left one has a torn boot and is well a bit sloppy, so it is probably time they were replaced anyway.

More news on the outcome either late in the weekend or early next week.

[UFO]

Well we all know about Murphy. Murphy was an optimist...

Today I commenced the job on the XM to replace the tie rod ends. I did the left side first. Easy job - the hardest thing was loosening the thread on the lock nut - found none of that "rust" stuff you guys in the UK talk about .

Got the wheel back on and moved to the right side.

I removed the right side tie rod end, grabbed the new one and went to screw it into the tie rod. BUGGER! Bit of a problem when the thread of the end is smaller that the thread of the rod! Seems that somewhere somehow a larger diameter tie rod was put on the right side. Never in my ownership!

Now I will have to call the supplier in Melbourne tomorrow to see if they have the larger diameter end. Cross your fingers for me.

By the way, the left tie rod end was totally stuffed. The joint moved around like a spoon in porridge. I should already notice some improvement in the steering and lack of vibration. The right end is worn but not as badly.

For your info, the smaller diameter end is branded SASIC and their part no 8173313 for the right hand (UK driver) side). It is also labelled to fit AX, Xantia Saxo Pug 106 206 305 307 605

This post has been edited by UFO on November 04, 2007 05:45 am

[UFO]

On a flexi today and did the right side replacement first thing this morning. Took 30 minutes from start to finish inc putting the car on and off a stand on the right side. Easy!

I am driving 80km to Sydney at lunchtime so the cruise up the freeway should show whether any vibration still exists and rattling around over the worsening Sydney roads should reveal any rattles.