Task No 11 - Faults in Steering System

Plan

Task Commenced:  Tue 5th May 15.

Gather all tools and equipment and retrieve vehicle information for entry onto Job Card.  Conduct an inspection and test of the 4 post ramp prior to vehicle loading.  Crack front wheel nuts and raise front of vehicle on beam jack.  Remove front road wheels and track rod ends and report. Reinstate track rod ends and road wheels, lower beam jack and torque road wheels to manufacturer's specification.  Undertake 4 wheel alignment using Hawkeye Aligner.

Task Requirements

• Remove and Re-fit Track Rod Ends.
• Undertake 4 Wheel Alignment.
• Complete Knowledge Questions.
• Complete Blog.
• Report to Assessor with Analysis & Diagnosis.
• Account for all tools and equipment & tidy work area.

Analysis - Track Rod Ends

Track rods and ends were disengaged from steering knuckle.  Track rod ends were wound off whilst counting the number of turns respectively. 

NSF Turns: 17

OSF Turns: 16

Rubber boots to both ends were badly split and both stems displayed excessive levels of play.

Split Boot

Diagnosis

Due to the extent of splitting to the respective boots, the excessive levels of stem play and the unknown amount of time of exposure to the elements and debris, I would recommend ordering 2 new track rod ends, rather than just replacing the boots.  There was also an inbalance in the number of turns of the track rod ends noted at removal.  In such circumstances it is recommended that the amounts of turns are added together and then halved and evened accordingly.  16+17= 33.  Round down to 32 and divide by 2 = 16 turns back on for both track rod ends.  The vehicle should now also undergo a wheel alignment accordingly.