Steering track control arms

[Tridac]

Looking for recomendation re replacements, complete with track rod end, both sides. These haven't been replaced since the car was new in 1994, but a bush has failed at the rack end on one side. Would like original oem quality, not parts that wear out in year. Any ideas as to good supplier, manufacturer, any other points to watch ?. Loads of vendors on Ebay, but no idea how good they are, or even if they are correct...

[Antsa]

I bought TRW rods from autodoc a year ago and thought that they should be oem quality. Turns out thats not the case. Totally rusted even if they are under the bonnet protected from water/dirt etc. I ended up refurbing the oem ones with acetal inner bushes by Alex.

[Error404]

I would go with Lemforder if they are still available. If you want to refurbish the originals, I can make you a set of Acetal rack end bushes as Antii said above

[Tridac]

Thanks for the replies. Solid bushes sound good, but the hub end has vertical movement, so how do they allow for that without putting strain on the rack end ?. Also thought about using sealed rose joints, but that would mean even more surgery...

[Error404]

Acetal isn't solid, it has some flex just a lot less than rubber. Mine are made with suitable clearances to allow them to rotate around the central sleeve which is rigid with the rack, in terms of movement in the vertical plan there is less resistance than with the OEM bushes. The Acetal bushes are a light press fit into the tie rod and the central sleeve is bolted in the same way as the OEM bushes.

I have spherical bearings in my car. These are more work as the track rod needs to be machined

HTH
Alex

[Tridac]

Alex, looks like the acetal bushes are the best solution. Can you post a pic of the them, and the price ?...

[Error404]

Unfortunately I don't have a pic to hand but someone did post some pics just recently. I will try and find the pic. They are £40 a set inc UK delivery.

[Tridac]

That sounds good, so how to pay you and what's the delivery time ?. Was just concerned about the vertical movement, as in the strut moving up and down vertically, which is why a pic would be helpful...

[Error404]

Would be 2-3 weeks as I am at Le Mans Classic then on holiday