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        General >> How to do things! >> Replacing front Link Rods
        
(Message started by: Simmo on Apr 23^rd, 2010, 8:28am)

Title: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by Simmo on Apr 23^rd, 2010, 8:28am

There is an article Here (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/linkrods.htm) on this subject. Having just done the work I would offer some advice. The nuts were soaked in WD 40 before starting the job and were,in my case, no problem as such. The lower joint is simple in that a 17mm spanner can be fitted to the inner part of the joint securing it whilst the nut is removed with a socket. The top one however presented more of a problem. It is similarly constructed BUT it is contained in a 'shroud' on the suspension leg and thus it is not possible to get a spanner on the fitting in order to prevent it turning. Another article Here (http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/frontsusp.htm) states that 'Ford have thought of this' and provided a 5mm hexagon slot in the top of the rod to hold it so the nut can be wound off with a ring spanner. Well mine didn't have this !!. The new ones I bought do however. My solution was to jam a small wrecking bar up in the shroud and wedge the 17mm flat so that the nut could be wound off. A bit 'hit and miss' but successful.

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by PJDavis on Apr 23^rd, 2010, 10:26am

I did mine quite recently, and the ones I replaced had the 17mm flat on both ends. I suppose they must have been replaced at some point in the past. The new items (I can't remember the manufacturer, but I got them from Dingbro) have the 17mm flat on both ends too.

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by Simmo on Apr 23^rd, 2010, 12:58pm

Each joint HAS the 17mm flat but my point was that it was not possible to get a spanner on to the top fitting because it is inside the shroud on the suspension leg. I guess a crows foot or similar socket may do the job. Equally if the 5mm hexagon socket is there that would enable the rod to be held. If the leg itself were removed then access would be easy.

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by Jonnycab on Apr 23^rd, 2010, 4:28pm

Another way to remove a stubborn top nut is to use a breaker bar to tighten it up even more....the shaft isn't particularly strong & shears apart quite easily ;) ......;D

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by Simmo on Apr 24^th, 2010, 7:42am

Did Gost teach you that ??!! ;D ::)

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by big_timer on Apr 24^th, 2010, 1:30pm

hacksaw the nut which is surprisingly very soft,then hit the cut with a nice sharp chisel,or a nut splitter

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by PJDavis on Apr 25^th, 2010, 9:51am

My apologies Simmo. I only realised after I had said, and then forgot to post it up, that I had sacrificed a spanner and formed it to the required shape to allow me to grip the inside flat amongst the top shroud. Course where that spanner now is I do not know, or I would post it up!

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by scorpio_man on Apr 25^th, 2010, 10:39am

hi there

i'm trying to think back to when i changed mine. iirc, once you get them attached, just turn the steering which will give you the room to tighten them up.

i never needed any 'special' tools.

or i'm i missing something?

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by Simmo on Apr 25^th, 2010, 11:17am

You miss something ??. Never Andrew!.;). As PJD says, in the absence of the 5mm socket in the end of the rod, the ideal way would be a 17mm spanner bent at right angles to enable it to get under the 'shroud' and grip the lower nut. I must say the result is a much quieter ride and firmer front end.

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by PJDavis on Apr 25^th, 2010, 11:43am

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx357/PJJDavis123/DSCF1938.jpg

http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx357/PJJDavis123/DSCF1937.jpg

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by Simmo on Apr 25^th, 2010, 3:36pm

Exactly the item required!. Thank you PJ. A picture saves a thousand words!.;)

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by PJDavis on Apr 25^th, 2010, 5:02pm

Obviously the open-end of the spanner is as usual slightly off-set.

Title: Re: Replacing front Link Rods
Post by gozz on Apr 25^th, 2010, 10:11pm

PJD.
I hope you didn't just whack the moggy and bend the spanner ;D