Steering Centre Rod 53 plymouth/dodge

[plodge]

Hi, I have lurked in the shadows for a little while, and now is my turn for some advice. What is the general consensus for buying or repairing the centre rod, or centre link, or track rod, or whatever its called on my Dodge, I am in Australia, and my 1956 Dodge is the same body style as your US 53-54 Plymouth(ie same as P25). The centre rod on my cars steering has a worn joint, I have searched tirelessly here in Australia for one, and come to dead ends every which way. I'm told I can have it repaired, but worry how long its likely to last compared to the cost. Its repaired by injecting a molten resin into the grease nipple hole and it sets around the ball taking up any clearances, but this is very expensive$120 per side, do the two and its $240. I mean I'd rather pay for a new one, even if its a little dearer. I have searched the US ebay and tried some of the aftermarket suspension component companies with no luck. What is it you guys do to repair these, or where can I buy one. The worn joint really makes my car uncomfortable to drive at speed due to its nervousness on the road. Thanks in advance.

[plymouthcranbrook]

A number of years ago I had a 1961 Rambler that had a very long tie rod end that had gone bad. I could not find one and When I couldn't I spoke to an old Welder near me. He told me to get a replacement rod for the other side(very available at that time) and he would cut the end off the new rod and weld the new part onto the old rod after cutting off the old part. He did this slowly(so as not to melt the plastic around the new tip) and when he finished the rod was as good as new. It lasted as long as I had the car(several years) without getting loose. Maybe something like this would work.  I admit to not remembering exactly what the center link looks like without crawling under my 52 Plymouth. 

[DJ194950]

If all other options are not for you get this co. out. They can build new almost any obsolete suspension part.

 

But they are in Stockton, Ca. Others here have used their standard made parts and have been happy. Do they already  make the part needed?

 

A call or email should give you an answer.

 

http://rareparts.com/

[plodge]

Thanks for the advice, sadly welding of any steering/suspension is a big no-no around here, unless done through the correct channels, meaning x ray and certification, which will end up costing more than the car is worth. Sending something to the US to be repaired, and then having it sent back, is again out of the equation. I have located a company here in Australia that can repair it correctly, not with the resin, but by removing the ball joint pins from the sockets, and replacing them with new ones, one of the places I contacted method of repair was to remove the rear of the joint(little cad plated plate) fit a rubber bush, and tag it back together, thus rendering it ungrease-able, seems like another temporary repair to me, as the chrome plating usually wears off the pins ball after many years of use, like any old worn out ball joint does, and I think the rough surface of the ball would just chew away at the new bushing. Anyway, this company assures me it will come back to me as a new steering rod(except for the original core rod I send them of course), but its just the cost of repairing it is well over $300. I suppose if it makes the car drive better, then so be it. Ahh the joys of owning an old car that's a little left field.

[plymouthcranbrook]

Sometimes one must just bite the bullet and pay. Sadly so...

[plymouthcranbrook]

i read in the latest Hemmings Classic car that Kanter is now offering one for late 50's to early 60's Chryslers. Maybe they might also have one for your model.

[Young Ed]

Do you have a picture of what you're looking for? I believe our 53-54 plymouths just use 4 of these

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Tie-Rod-End-Inner/_/R-RPC26402_0262154391#largeProductImageWrapper

[plodge]

Hi Young Ed, mine does have two tire rod ends like that, they are the outer, the inners are very long, going almost to the centre, The part I am chasing is the centre rod pictured with the arrow. Thanks. 

 

[Paul Beard]

NAPA auto parts lists a new center link for pilot house trucks. They may have ones for the cars as well. they are very pricey.

[TodFitch]

Hi Young Ed, mine does have two tire rod ends like that, they are the outer, the inners are very long, going almost to the centre, The part I am chasing is the centre rod pictured with the arrow. Thanks. $_57.jpg

 

You might want to check with Rare Parts in Stockton, California. If they don't have it, their policy is to take your sample and reverse engineer it and make it and then add it to the list of items they carry. Not cheap, but still a good place. They have, for example, the steering drag link for my '33 Plymouth and it is actually a bit better quality and design than the original.

 

NAPA auto parts lists a new center link for pilot house trucks. They may have ones for the cars as well. they are very pricey.

 

I would not be surprised if Rare Parts is the vendor that NAPA goes to.

[plodge]

I had a phone call today from the repairer of the track rod/centre rod. I've sent payment and it should arrive in the next few days........heres hoping it fixes my horrible steering problem. It'd want to for the cost of it. Thanks to all for the advice, its been appreciated.