Nissan Leaf Track rod end (control arm) replacement: 5 minute job!

You can buy tools and parts, or things you were going to buy anyway from Amazon through the affiliate program (links below) and I may receive a commission for the sale. :
Ecover laundry liquid: amzn.to/2Fl3Jqx
Calgon: amzn.to/33es6hL
Vacuum Cleaner: amzn.to/35lsAFr
or a multimeter : amzn.to/357iwj7
or you can buy anything else through the link. This has no effect on the price for you. The links used are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
vw track rod end t4 (check model and fit!!): amzn.to/3kszbCk
Generic parking sensor: amzn.to/2H5c569
Disk Brakes (check model and fit!!): amzn.to/2RDnQTo
Pads (check model and fit!!): amzn.to/35HlGul
Brake caliper rewind tool: amzn.to/3hKngxH
VW T4 pressure sensor switch: amzn.to/2H3Evxq
VW T4 anti roll bushes:amzn.to/32D3mQX
timing belt locking tool kit from Amazon through the affiliate program: amzn.to/3brAtKw
VW T4 Lower Ball Joint: amzn.to/2FGFgfF
or a multimeter : amzn.to/357iwj7
Or the timing belt: make sure you buy the correct one for your engine! : amzn.to/2DC5oHC
Failed the MOT on a track rod end (rod end Bearing)? £10 easy fix! hour maximum. Here is how to remove the ball joint when the taper lock is already broken and the bolt just spins.
If the taper is not broken it should be much easier to get the nut off but then you will have to break the seal in the taper. Just hammer in a tongs or a ball joint splitter and keep pressure on it, then whack the side of the taper with a hammer. It should pop, if not use more force. You have to imagine that you are a 2.5 tonne loaded van pounding on it at 60 mph on a rough bumpy road to get an idea of how much force the suspension and steering components can handle. Whopping it with a sledge hammer is nothing! Whop away!

[@richardstevens8005]

You ability to describe and teach in an understandable manner is to be commented. Also the description from your friend about the smell of monster munch was spot on.

[@tomy2t0ne3]

Was the car making a bad clunking noise?

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing job done , sometimes the length adjuster nut rusts solid. Swear words are required. Will it need to be taken to a local alignment shop or do you think it will be fine as it is?.

[@bootsowen]

I reckon that if you set the lock nut where it was and have the same part it’s as bad as it was before. I have never been to get an alignment done. This one wasn’t too bad

[@APSuk2]

Hate to be a safety Nellie but both nuts should be torqued to specification with a torque wrench. I know the the nut on the ball joint is a nyloc nut but this is a critical component for safety and you don't want either nut coming lose at anytime. Worth checking the tow also whilst you are there, can easily be done with no need for specialist equipment, worth it to save spending £40 at least per tyre after they have worn out on the shoulders.

[@bootsowen]

I suspect that you love being a safety Nellie. Thanks. The comment is here for all to see.

[@APSuk2]

@@bootsowen As they say health & safety regulations are written in blood. I have seen what happens when suspension and steering components come loose on the road being an automotive mechanic myself. No issue with people repairing their vehicles but there is a reason these procedure exist.

[@bootsowen]

Would you try doing gas or electrical work?

[@APSuk2]

@@bootsowen I do my own electrical work already, I installed my own consumer unit but I did not just do it on a whim. I researched for months before hand and did smaller electrical jobs around the house to gain experience. I purchased a used MFT and learned how to used it and what tests I need to do to ensure my work is safe. I wont go ahead with a job until I am happy I know what I am doing and why I am doing it. I even purchased a torque screwdriver for the terminations. I won't touch gas as I know my limits. I will work on my boiler, happy to work on the water and electrical side but I stay away from the combustion chamber side.

[@bootsowen]

And that's about right, we all have our limits, the trick is to learn and be self reliant. I got my fridge back in action by thinking it through, the thermostat inside was broken, and I was able to hotwire the motor to be able to turn it on and off to keep it cold to save the food while I got a spare. There's rules everywhere, but if you see the other comments here @APSuk2 has a similar approach to me.

[@balfie18]

Fair play to ya Owen bud. Ders not a lot I can't or wouldn't to, but cars, jaysus it's like staring into the time space continuem, driving it is as far as I go. I can look at a washing machine, not a bother, fix a dishwasher by just hearing sounds of it, take apart a microwave an back together again not a bother. Fair play t ya pal.

[@bootsowen]

You've just gotta try Balfie.

[@bootsowen]

Would ya do gas work?

[@balfie18]

No don't work on gas buddy, not gas reg. Not something I'm sure I want to get into down the line if possible or not.

[@Whereswally606]

Car has now passed its Mot with no advisories. thanks @bootsowen for the time and the showing of tricks.

[@bootsowen]

Cheers Buddy

[@Whereswally606]

@@bootsowen im really suprised that that monster munch chat made the cut.

[@richardbutler4488]

Ah no your haven’t got electric ⚡️ keep that vw classic diesel going 😮 as it’s a tough machine. A lot of those EV’s won’t have a long life.

[@bootsowen]

Nope. Not my car. Just showing @whereswally606 some tricks.