Vectra SRi CDTi 150bhp
- Thread starter Blackie
- Start date
pablo
RMS Moderator
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- Glengrimley
its easy enough dude (assuming vectras dont have weird steering racks):
- pull boot back
- big 32mm ish spanner on the inner nut and loosen it until it comes off the rack
- separate it from the outer tie rod (you can do this first if you like, whatever is handiest)
- move boot over to new inner
- reinstall
- cable tie boot on
if you get a good measurement of rack to start of the outer tie rod then you can adjust it back after and not need (urgently) tracking. I usually do one side at a time, get it close then take it a drive and adjust until I can drive straight with the steering wheel straight. Then do the other side and repeat.
Blackie
RMS Regular
OP
pablo
RMS Moderator
- Messages
- 67,024
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- Glengrimley
cant say Ive ever had a problem but you could use the proper clips if handy
BobSpounge
RMS Regular
- Messages
- 6,195
Been cable ties on mine for years.
_Stu_
RMS Regular
- Messages
- 1,395
They aren’t that keen to be honest. Cable ties are fine but tend to fall off after not very long. What about jubilee clips?
Blackie
RMS Regular
OP
- Thread Starter
- #210
Looking like I’ll have to either ask for help or pay someone to do the inner tie rod. It has me beat!
It’s a 34mm spanner which I don’t have. I tried my largest shifting spanner and I just can’t get it on the rod due to lack of access. I can get vice grips on it but again due to lack of access I can’t get any sort of swing or pressure on to crack/slacken the tie rod!
Wasted far too much time on it this morning which meant I was only able to fit one rear spring before the inevitable school run approached. . .
It’s a 34mm spanner which I don’t have. I tried my largest shifting spanner and I just can’t get it on the rod due to lack of access. I can get vice grips on it but again due to lack of access I can’t get any sort of swing or pressure on to crack/slacken the tie rod!
Wasted far too much time on it this morning which meant I was only able to fit one rear spring before the inevitable school run approached. . .
pablo
RMS Moderator
- Messages
- 67,024
- Location
- Glengrimley
One here if you’re stuck lad
pablo
RMS Moderator
- Messages
- 67,024
- Location
- Glengrimley
Bought for that very purpose as it happens. It’s big and unwieldy but gets the job done if you can get access
pablo
RMS Moderator
- Messages
- 67,024
- Location
- Glengrimley
front is down nicely - nicely levelled out now 
Blackie
RMS Regular
OP
- Thread Starter
- #217
Finally got the track rod inner and outer fitted to the Vectra. That’s practically most of the suspension components replaced on the Vectra for the upcoming MOT.
The car didn’t feel bad before, I had started working on it because it had what I believed was the usual drop link rattle at the front, but now after all this work it feels like a new car, so tight and much more responsive feel from the steering.
Just need to get this big Spaniard down to the very kind Mr @pablo now
The car didn’t feel bad before, I had started working on it because it had what I believed was the usual drop link rattle at the front, but now after all this work it feels like a new car, so tight and much more responsive feel from the steering.
Just need to get this big Spaniard down to the very kind Mr @pablo now
pablo
RMS Moderator
- Messages
- 67,024
- Location
- Glengrimley
My big tool always gets the job done
Blackie
RMS Regular
OP
- Thread Starter
- #220
That would have been perfect! Especially given the space restrictions!
My mate and I ended up removing the driveshaft and bottom arm so that we could get at the bugger!
And once we were finally able to get @pablo ‘s big tool on it, it needed minimal effort to slacken it lol.
Where did you get it from @eamon343 ? Might be a handy tool to have in the box for when I need to do the other side lol
Blackie
RMS Regular
OP
cormac81
RMS Regular
Looks well Brian.