Creaking Centre Rod

[Mark T]

I replaced my centre rod with a new one from Rootes Post Vintages Spares in Holland. Now when I turn I'm getting a creaking sound out of the ends of the rod. It's been well greased and it's tight (checked to make sure that the nuts weren't turning). Has anyone ever had this experience?Thanks!

 

[skywords]

That don't sound right. Maybe a factory defect?

 

[Mark T]

That's what I'm afraid of! Changing that rod with the V6 in the car is not a lot of fun.

 

[skywords]

Mark
I don't know why but I was thinking Tie rods (sorry). Are the bushings in the center rod urethane, if so that might be normal. Don't do anything with it till you get a response from someone with more experience than me. It seems to me I have heard this before. I was considering machining some out of oilite. Has anyone tried that?

Have you tried oiling them?

 

[Mark T]

Hi Rick! I'm not sure what they are made of. I'm guessing that a hard urethane would be correct. I e-mailed Arnoud at Rootes Post Vintage and he just responded that the creaking will go away as the grease works into them. Guess it's normal for them to creak for a while. Thanks!

 

[George Coleman]

Hi saw your post. If the joints are urethane do not lube them with petroleum grease! You need to use Dielectric Silicon Grease!

 

[Mark T]

Wasn't thinking clearly this morning! The rod has ball joints not bushings.

 

[V6 JOSE]

Is it creaking because it is rubbing against the back of the engine?

Jose

 

[Mark T]

That was my first thought because the rod just barely clears the bell housing, but we checked and it's not touching anything.

 

[jumpinjan]

Mark T,
Here is what is wrong, the urethane bushing's height is too high, so its compressed way too much and making the creaking sound. I don't think its going away too soon.
Solution - You need to remove the cross arm and lightly sand down the bushing.
Jan

 

[V6 JOSE]

Mark T,
Here is what is wrong, the urethane bushing's height is too high, so its compressed way too much and making the creaking sound. I don't think its going away too soon.
Solution - You need to remove the cross arm and lightly sand down the bushing.
Jan

He said it has a proper tie rod end, and not a bushing.

Jose

 

[Mark T]

Hi Jan! Sorry for the misinformation. The rod does have ball joints. My brain wasn't working when I mentioned urethane. Too many late nights working on the car and sleepless nights thinking about what still has to be done. On the plus side, the creaking is starting to quiet down!

 

[Mark T]

FYI, the creaking has completely disappeared and the car steers like a dream! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the centre rod that Rootes Post Vintage Spares manufactures!