Winter Maintenance: Rod End Replacement.

[nickpoore]

Hey Guys.

I'm just trying to get feedback on what I really need to replace for my winter maintenance.

My car is 2 years old.
It has 10K miles, and 10+ track days.
I use Dunlop 'Radical' slicks, and like to push the car HARD.

In the next year I plan on getting replacement uprights & bearings.
I would like to get a set of wings, but am not sure if that will happen or not.

It's about time that I replaced the Rod-Ends.

Now, the question arrises as to what rod-ends I need to purchase.
Do I need to replace ALL the rod-ends, or just some of them?
Do I need to use racing rod-ends all around, or do I just put them on the high-stress joints?
  (not sure what the high-stress ones are, but though I should check.)


I know that Terry wrote a great post regarding a place to purchase Rod Ends:
http://forum.atomclub.com/index.php/topic,6594.0.html

Is it with worth replacing any of the tie-rods?
http://forum.atomclub.com/index.php/topic,8623.0.html
And if so, which ones.

Yes, I'm being really lazy, and just trying to come up with a quick and easy shopping list.

Thanks.
Nick.

[bolus]

If you are running slicks I'd replace the rod ends.  you may want to play it safe and get the upgraded ones.  Your first sign of a rod end failure may be your suspension collapsing while you are driving so I'd play it safe and replace them all.   Here is the info on the basic set and the upgraded set:

http://forum.atomclub.com/index.php/topic,6594.0.html
www.hrpworld.com

Replacement Teflon rod end
Part number    Count    Description
AU-AM-6T    6      .375 x 3/8-24 RH, PTFE   
AU-AB-6T    6      .375 x 3/8-24, LH, Teflon Lined
AU-AB-10T    6      .625 x 5/8-18, LH, PTFE
AU-JN625LH    6      5/8-LH Jam Nut   
AU-JN375LH    6      3/8-24 LH Jam Nut   
AU-JN375RH    6      3/8-24 RH Jam Nut   

Race series Rod end (much more expensive higher end parts) - going to be like $800 for the set though

AU-PRM-6T   6
AU-PRB-6T   6
AU-PRB-10T   6
AU-JN625LH    6      5/8-LH Jam Nut   
AU-JN375LH    6      3/8-24 LH Jam Nut   
AU-JN375RH    6      3/8-24 RH Jam Nut

Discount code:AA-AURORA2008  add at checkout.



- I wouldn't replace the tie rod unless it is bent.  The metal is a good 1/4" thick in those. 
- I hope you have done your oil changes   ;)
- Clean your air filter

[nickpoore]

Oil changes are common (and cheap maintenance.)

I've already replaced the air filter (old one was filthy.)

Should I use race rod-ends on ALL connections, or only on SOME of them?

[bolus]

I'd say do them all.  at very least the smaller ones on the push rods are going to be the most likely to fail. 

[CalScot]

FWIW, I used a combination of race and "standard" ones.

Race on the following:
Main A-arm joints upper & lower fronts and rears.
Uprights-top joints (one that connects to bell crank)

"Standard" on:
Uprights-lower joint attached to A-arm.
Rear wheel lower rear main joint (adjusts toe on UK model and I don't think this is the same on the Brammo??)
All Steering rod joints

Next change out I will do all the rod ends in race ends although the top one needs it more.

My change out's were closer to 7K miles. None of the rod ends showed any sings of wear except the steering rod ends at the hubs side and  that was very minimal. I doubt that they all need changed as much as we do, but better safe than sorry and I would not take the chance to go too long. I would say you need to do your wheel bearings Nick. You beat it hard and those Dunlops make a big impact on bearing life.
If your doing the replacement hubs, you might be OK for a wee while longer as long as it's not too long! Call me and I will give you some pointers on checking the existing ones.

[dp35]

I don't understand why anyone would want to use a rod end that's less than the best available.  Regardless of where it is on the car, its very important.  The cost savings isn't big, but the peace of mind is IMO. 

[CalScot]

Same reason you don't buy your wife the best available diamond in the store.
You pick the one you hope she will love you for but still leaving you enough money left for your playboy subscription