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Front end work

VPRob

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VP is due for rego check in 4 weeks or so. Went in for wheel align and front end check expecting some bad news but the word is that she only needs driver's side rack end and tie-rod replaced prior to alignment. Estimate of $300 (without checking parts cost) including alignment. I am thinking I might do the rack end and tie-rod myself as I will save on parts and the labour cost (estimate 1 hour = $100). I will also need a new centre muffler, tyres, and possibly engine mounts (I have these already but not looking forward to putting them in) so wanting to save a bit where I can.
Any tricks to replacing rack end and tie-rod? I've looked on-line at parts and am wary of the cheapest. Any suggestions?
 

MikeC

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By rack end you mean bellows? Just remember to count the turns on each tie rod end and if you have a vernier measure from the tie rod end to a fixed point such as the end of the rack. Replace the ends and adjust to get the same distance. I still paid $50 for a realignment when I had finished- cheaper than good tyres.
I used TRW tie rod ends and Oetiker bellows- quality looked OK for aftermarket parts.
 

VPRob

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thanks Mike. By rack end I mean the part that screws onto the end of the steering rack. The tie rod then threads onto the rack end. Maybe by bellows you mean boot? I will get an alignment after because I know it's out now.
 

Sabbath'

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Go and visit your local Repco/Bursons and price shop there. They stock good quality parts for the most part, especially on driveline/steering stuff. Shouldnt be more than $150 in parts?

There's a thread on here aswell that should help with the engine mount part.
 

losh1971

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Do you mean the tierod end Rob? If you get one try and find one you can grease they last way longer than those you cant grease.
 

VPRob

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Yes Losh, I do mean tie-rod END. My mistake. I'll look for one with a grease nipple
 

vc commodore

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Rack end is easy to do....Straighten out the tab that is at the end of the part and with a shifter, undo it.

Tierod end is easy too....

I did both side rack ends and tie rod ends on my VC 2 months ago....Start to finish took me 1/2 hour...Parts were under $100, with the grease nipples in the tie rod ends, so getting charged $300 from a mechanic is a rip off

finally, it seems people don't realise a rack has 3 replaceable parts....1 is called a tie rod end, 1 is called a rack end and the 3rd being the rack boot
 
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