inner track rod ends & gaiters 2001 w210 e320 c.d.i.

[sms78]

Want to change the inner track rod ends due to them being worn . Just wondered if there was any nasty surprises . I want to renew the inner and outer track rod ends plus ill put some new steering rack gaiters on just for good measure . Are the steel ties that hold the gaiters on the same as cv joint ones ? and also is there any oil or anything i must get that will come rushing out when i remove the gaiter and inner track rod? sorry about all the questions :Oops:

 

[brandwooddixon]

Sorry I can't say about the ineer track roads or gaiters. Just replying to bump your question.

 

[wireman]

Inner track rod ball joints are an integral part of the steering rack, as such they are not a service replacement part and will not normaly be a readily available component.

I have never dismantled a merc rack but on most of the rack units I have dealt with the rod ends are only accessible with the rack removed from the vehicle, it is of paramount importance that the rack assemblies internals are kept clean - very clean, if you do dismantle the rack be sure to take great care in this respect since one tiny piece of dirt/grit could block up the hydraulics and render the car dangerous - the steering may decide to turn full lock with little to stop it happening because the hydraulics are much stronger than any driver.
In addition to absolute cleanliness some parts may not be reusable, the ball joint caps often have a crimped down locking tab and will be weakened by the removal process leading to the risk of them becoming detached in service if they are reused.
It is for very good reasons (i.e. if one bit is worn so are all the others) that rack parts are not generaly available.

If you can source a track rod, ball joint cap, inner seat and control spring (all four of these will be required for each side) it may be feasible to do it your self but it would in my opinion be best to contact a power steering expert with the proper facilities to do this job. There is one of the forum members who is in the steering game and seems to have some experience, have a root around the forum to find him.

 

[sms78]

ive allready got the inner and outter track rod ends .the inner ones have the long threaded rod one end that the track rod end screws on and on the other end it has a little ball joint arrangement on the end packed with grease with a small treaded shaft of it . To me it looks like it just screws into the rack somewhere under the steering gaiters .
Just wondered what would come out (oil etc) if i removed the gaiters . there seems to be room to get in to take the gaiters off and if yo can unscrew the inner track rod .Just wondered if anybody has done this before. Also german and swedish sell the inner track rod ends . guy at counter said he sells loads of em as they tend to advise to buy the outer and inner track rod ends as they get bent easy .

 

[Number_Cruncher]

These racks are designed to have their inner ball joints replaced (The availability of repair kits and the obvious general design for overhaul is one of the hidden things that makes MB cars special IMO). As long as you keep the area clean, and lock the thread properly, you'll be fine.

At this part of the rack, there shouldn't be any significant amount of hydraulic fluid behind the gaiter (if there is, you have a bigger problem!)

 

[sms78]

thank you number cruncher so i guess its just the case of removing the gaiters uncrew the inner trackrod complete with balljoint pack with a bit of grease around the ball joint and replace the gaiter? guess ill have to buy a speacial tool or something to replace the gaiter clips ?

 

[Number_Cruncher]

I would be much surprised if you need anything beyond Oetiker tools and clamps for the gaiters.

I wouldn't bother with the grease unless you get some in a sachet with the new track rod. You can be sure that there won't be any compatibility issues with power steering oil though.

 

[sms78]

thanks the ball joint at the end of the new inner track rod has allready got grease on it so i wont bother . i found a set of pliers for them clamps bout 8 to 10£ so aint so bad .

 

[michaelj]

I'm not sure about that comment (wireman) about "one tiny piece of grit may block up the hydraulics and cause the steering to turn full lock". No. Hydraulic systems (from any reputable manufacturer, in whatver field) are designed to be failsafe and to acknowledge the fact that contamination is a statistical fact...you filter and you hope...and you ask the question "what happens if?" at every stage of the design process.
So yes, keep it clean, but don't be afraid to take it apart. It's only a car. There is no such thing as "absolute cleanliness", it's a bit like "totally reliable" which is just another way of saying: "it hasn't broken down yet"

 

[Number_Cruncher]

It's not the failsafe design that protects you in this case - the hydraulic valving and the hydraulic ram are entirely seperate parts of the rack - they have to be fully sealed to work properly - so, if fluid can't get out, dirt isn't going to get in.

 

[sms78]

thanks guys its true what michael said it is just a car . ive done loads a things on cars at home where people said it cant be done . saying that though i wouldnt attack anything too computerised at home though