Ariel.Club Forum

Spankster, damn good idea. Except for the orange paint.I'll leave that for Bruce to use.


I'm also looking into replacing the upper rod ends with...screw-in ball joints.

[quote="bolus"]
Then look at the rod ends and see if the lining is pushing out like this:

[img width=800 height=600]http://bolus.shackspace.com/atom/rod_ends2.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

That will only happen with the wrong (SPM/SPB) rod ends that should never have been on the car in the first place.

[quote="bolus"]
I should mention that the rod ends that Terry has listed as replacements are metal here and would be much less likely to deform and squeeze out like this one.  The original rod ends are just nylon here( or some other plastic I think)
[/quote]

Yep, most probably Teflon (PTFE).

I remember the only two rod ends I have replaced so far were the top ones on the rear suspension push rods (there are none on the bottoms of the push rods of a MK1). I noticed when I had my bellcrank repaired that the liner was comming out of one of them. The liner was like a plastic coated farbric with weave in it. Most likely a PTFE cloth.

One thing I make a habit of, each time I clean the car, is to lubricate the rod ends with a WD40 spray. Using the small applicator tube, that comes with the spray can, enables you to direct the spray fairly accurately.

Teflon lined. I still think they are a bit wimpy for what they do.

I should mention that the rod ends that Terry has listed as replacements are metal here and would be much less likely to deform and squeeze out like this one.  The original rod ends are just nylon here( or some other plastic I think)

Yes, you can see the lining pressed out to the side.  This one is failing and would have eventually broke (probably when I was on the road to Atomfest).  There were several that needed to get replaced at Atomfest when we started looking around at other cars.  Spaz had some that looked worse than mine  The push rods are the most at risk

[img width=800 height=600]http://bolus.shackspace.com/atom/rod_en ... amaged.jpg[/img]

[quote="bolus"]
Then look at the rod ends and see if the lining is pushing out like this:

[img width=800 height=600]http://bolus.shackspace.com/atom/rod_ends2.jpg[/img]
[/quote]

Are you saying that a lining with an appearance like that indicates it is bad, and the end is in need of replacement?

I still think those push rod ends are too small. 

I am looking into having some fabbed up with 1/2" rod ends that will replace the stockers (3/8")without modifications to either end.

There was no play in the tire pictued above, so make sure you inspect them.  You wont see stress cracks in the metal either so replace them per schedule

You don't have to jack up the car to test the upper rod ends. Just grab the top of the tire and push /pull the tire in and out.

If the end has any play,you will hear it clicking and you will also feel it.

My upper lh rod end has play and I will swap it out before using the car again.

Every event, tech inspectors go over your car fairly well, so it's best to find anything that may upset them.

Like brake fluid leaks

Get the car up on jacks (dont let it fall on you) and shake the wheel and see if there is any looseness or play.  There shouldnt be any

Then look at the rod ends and see if the lining is pushing out like this:

[img width=800 height=600]http://bolus.shackspace.com/atom/rod_ends2.jpg[/img]

What is the best way to determine if the rod end has warn out and needs to be replaced???
I.E. how do you inspect them? Do you need to disassemble anything? What are you looking for.
Sorry for all the questions but this is a learning experience for me.
Cheersâ?¢

QA-1 makes a chromemoly three piece end for about $30 that should work fine.I have 4 heading my way and will install them this year.

In MY opinion..the boots won't help,as the nature of spherical rod ends are they do not have the necessary load surfaces for long life,even protected.

I also believe it is a good thing they do wear out as opposed to fatigue breakage.

[quote="Dave Fellows"]
Why isn't there a simple "cover" to go over the joints to protect them from the elements then? You could easily seal the joints with some sort of rubber sleave/cover.
[/quote]

Yes, there are rubber covers available, though there are pros and cons with using them...main pro is keeping out dirt...main con is losing ability to visually inspect the joints.