Track rods

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Track rods

Post by Boosh »

Hi all,
I dropped my car off this morning to have the tracking done. The mechanic found the track rod ends too corroded and seized up to get adjusted. They therefore need replacing, but as my Zed and I are now living in France, my question is this: do I need to get UK track rods, or would they be the same as continental ones? The mechanic said that the steering rack being different, the rods might be, too. What would the wise bunch reckon?
Thanks,

Boosh.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Track rods

Post by Southernboy »

Why take the chance - just get them new from a Meyle supplier. You can use the OEM part number for your car / model and quote that to the Meyle supplier. Alternately, ask Andy / Spurs fan if he has a decent set for you. :wink:
"Normal is overrated"
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siwilson
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 09:54
Posts: 790

  M roadster S54
Location: Horley

Re: Track rods

Post by siwilson »

RealOEM says the rods are the same and shared with E36 3 series. In any case, they all seize after a while. Get your indy to to put some heat on it. That usually frees them.
2001 M roadster S54 Laguna Seca Blue
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c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Re: Track rods

Post by c_w »

A stupid split in the design means they always sieze unless cake in grease at the locknut.
Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: Track rods

Post by Boosh »

Thanks for your replies.
They were applying heat on the rods as I walked in. Still no budge. I'll have to look at getting some. If it's a common fault, one can only hope replacement parts won't be too dear, or I'll have to look at second-hand ones.
Thanks again,

Boosh.
siwilson
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 09:54
Posts: 790

  M roadster S54
Location: Horley

Re: Track rods

Post by siwilson »

Lemforder (the original OEM) are quite reasonable form Eurocarparts. I put these on my M. No sense paying BMW prices for the exact same part in a BMW box. £40 each or your car and that's before a discount code.
2001 M roadster S54 Laguna Seca Blue
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Track rods

Post by Brian4 »

Here is a link to the full track rod including the part that goes in the rack. If heating doesn't work you will have to replace the whole lot.

The stupid split design is there so that the tracking can be adjusted, the only stupid bit is they were assembled dry 15+ years ago and weather has got into the threads so get the new ones protected when fitted.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-316-318-3 ... 27dcd1228e
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Track rods

Post by Brian H »

I agree with Brian here, if the track rods rusty replace the whole arm, an easy job to do you just need a couple of extra cable ties for the steering column dust boots.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Track rods

Post by Del »

Brian H wrote:I agree with Brian here
I agree again :D in fact I found some "play" in the inner joints when I did this and so the steering was sharpened up by doing this job.
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c_w
Joined: Thu 19 Aug, 2004 16:50
Posts: 4032

  M roadster S50

Re: Track rods

Post by c_w »

TRW also make these and look beefier when compared to the Lemforder. Whether that makes them stronger I'm not sure!
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