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MG MGB Technical - Tie Rod Ends

Hi All,

I have just fitted two new tie rod ends, I haven't tightened them up yet, but on one of them the threaded section that fits down into the hub assesmbly just rotates when I try to tighten the nut, making it impossible to do so.

Is this normal? is there a way around it?

I'm stumped.
Liam

Liam, these are a tapered shaft that are designed to hold under friction. Make sure the tapered hole in the steering arm is clean and free of all nicks and grease and clean all grease off of the tie rod end also. Usually these will tap in very gently and hold well enough to tighten the nut. If the threads are damaged, run a die over them or get another rod end, the nut should spin on easily if using a cotter pin or at least spin on easily up to the nylon section if using a nyloc nut.
If you can't get the tapered shaft to hold and the nut and threads are good, then as a last resort you might try cutting a shallow groove across the end of the shaft so that you can hold it with a screwdriver until the nut bottoms out.
Bill Young

Fully agree with Bills comments but one additional suggestion is to gently lever ball joint into place, this will also increase the friction to help tighten the nut
j soutar

Thanks Bill and J

Bill, your idea of a groove might just be a lifesaver.

Liam

PS Of course I meant Track Rod Ends didn't I?

Its been a long flu filled day.
Liam

Put a small jack under the tie rod end to put pressure on the taper in the hole, should stop it from turning.
John H

Had the same problem liam. The nylock that came with the unit would not tighten down without the shaft spinning. I used a stock nut without the nylock and tightened it down. This pulled the taper in enough so the nylock would then tighten.
BEC Cunha

Thanks for all the ideas, I'm sure I'll need them all.

Liam
Liam

This thread was discussed between 31/01/2007 and 05/02/2007

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