C70 MOT Advisory - Tie Bar Rod

[andytc]

I've got an advisory note on the latest MOT for both 'Tie Bar Rods'.

I assume they mean the long rods that go from the top of shock ?

I thought something was wrong , she's squirming around a bit on the front end.

Easy Job to replace ?

I've Seen a few videos , looks simple , but just want to check with those that know , especially with the jacking and supporting ?

C70 2005

[V70Zig]

If I were you I would pop back to the MOT station that did the test and ask them to confirm which parts have the advisory on them......some call them..track rod ends or drop links of which I think you are referring to...but my bet would be the track rod ends (steering rods (track rod ends) are screwed into the ends of the rack, and go to the bottom of the "wheel" that terminates with a tapered ball joint.
If it is the track rod ends then you will need the tracking doing after.

[capt jack]

"Tie bars" usually refers to the two vertical rods, about 12" long, one on each side that connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension strut.

These have a ball joint at each end. These ball joints wear out and so the whole rod has to be replaced. It's an easy job, the parts cost very little.

The usual noticeable symptom is a low-speed clunk from the front of the car when you go over a speed bump or similar. it's not a big deal and it is a favourite MOT advisory!

If the front of the car seems to wander then that suggests something else is amiss. As the car has just passed an MOT then the most likely culprit is possibly a tyre or two with not enough wind in it. Check all four. It's one of the most basic car safety checks, but I don't think that the MOT actually covers it unless the tyre is obviously significantly deflated.

Unless it was one very dodgy MOT centre, something worn within the suspension enough to cause noticeable symptoms would have got you a "Fail'.

Jack

[andytc]

Thanks guys , i was going to have a go myself if it wasn't the 'track rod ends' , but after reading here i started to think it is , rang the MOT place and guy confirmed it is and will need alignment (what happened to counting the turns )

MOT says 'Tie bar rod has play slight play in pin bush front nearside/offside'

Driving on a motorway , straight line , slightest bump in the road will produce a 'Mexican wave' type wobble on the front end. I don't drive the car very often now , it's the wife's ... she doesn't notice stuff like this , as long as it starts ..stops .. and the radio works ... well

cheers guys

[V70Zig]

Originally Posted by andytc

Thanks guys , i was going to have a go myself if it wasn't the 'track rod ends' , but after reading here i started to think it is , rang the MOT place and guy confirmed it is and will need alignment (what happened to counting the turns )

MOT says 'Tie bar rod has play slight play in pin bush front nearside/offside'

Driving on a motorway , straight line , slightest bump in the road will produce a 'Mexican wave' type wobble on the front end. I don't drive the car very often now , it's the wife's ... she doesn't notice stuff like this , as long as it starts ..stops .. and the radio works ... well

cheers guys

Personally I have never counted the turns..just cracked the locking nut and screwed the new one in, locked it up and then had the tracking checked/done.
Works out cheaper than a couple of new tyres.