What is a decent track rod end to use these days? I've had to replace 2 over the past year or so, with a new one dying after 2 days at Spa.

I normally get ones from ECP, but these just seem pants. You also find when you go to tighten them up, the thread just spins, so you need something to apply pressure to the end to get the nut tight enough.

Alexis, can you let us know which are the ones that you buy so that we can avoid them?

I bought TRW ones which certainly give the impression of being pretty well made. Being a supplier to major car companies, one would hope that they at least reach a good minimum standard.

To stop them spinning when tightening, don't you need to lock/hold with an allen key (IIRC)?

I've had firstline on mine for a few years whiteout issue.If that's any help?

Regarding your fitting issues; it's quite normal to need to press the joint home to allow you to tighten the nut down. If on the other hand you're saying that you have the nut right down and the thread just turns,then providing you've got the right TRE (some places insist on supplying the wrong part)the taper in the hub carrier will be shot.

Thanks. I'm actually starting to wonder if the taper is shot now, as IIRC there is some very slight play in the hub / rod that goes into the hub, which I'm guess is a new hub time?
Jack, can't remember off the top of my head which ones they were.

Possibly not a new hub carrier. Iirc the 20VT has a larger diameter on the TRE/hub carrier. You might get somewhere to rework yours to take the 20 valve TRE?

As a stop gap you could try a washer under the nut so you don't bottom the thread trying to torque it up. Or even a little locite bearing mount on the taper.