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This thread has been started before but the final detail I have been unable to find via searching the 5Exi forum.
I retrieved my car from TD after set up and odd other bits today and one of the comments from Dave was that the fitted TRE's are the wrong thread:-
Quote 'It is also VERY important to note that the TRE's are 1/2 UNF female.
The track rod from the rack is M12 x 1.25. This means that the outside of the rod is 12mm - the tapping diameter for 1/2 is 11mm - the depth of the tread is 1mm '
Clearly it fits but its not safe long term.
Can anyone tell me what car they identified as the original use, to replace the ones you got on your 5exi?
I need to buy a couple and not sure if it’s Metro as per the original Marlin supplied rack or something different. I have no recourse to Marlin because I did not buy the kit direct from them.
I know limpabit had the same problem and historically other builders (Bigfella, TurboMarlin to name a couple have commented) have identified the problem but there is no recorded solution/answer.
If anyone knows post it up.
When I find out I will add more detail.
The supplied ones were quite dodgy in my opinion (obviously I don't know what the relative strength of the correct and incorrect rod interfaces is...) - I can't believe in retrospect that I was ignorant enough to believe they were okay. It was only when I replaced the track rod ends on a friend's car, that I realised how wrong the fitment was on mine, and I promptly bought new TREs.
The metro rod ends, are longer than the supplied, so not only is the thread engagement correct, but the depth of engagement is better.
Funny enough, I was in conversation with another 5exi builder about this over the weekend (as I'm having trouble with my lower balljoint. No real help from Marlin).
The TRE at the front look identical to the rear control arms on the original rear suspension setup. the only difference. The thread!
I can't beleive the amount of mix and match between imperial and metric on the car (another one is the shock bolts).
To refresh, I have a Marlin supplied steering rack that I believe is a Metro std rack. The standard non PAS rack uses 1/2 UNF thread for the rod ends.
The Track Rod Ends I have are M12 metric 1.25 and fit the rod thread but are not the correct mechanical fit and before the lock nut is tightent up it is loose on the rod, like it jiggles about on the rod!
Mechanically there is only .5mm of threaded metal holding the rod and the track rod end together.
The standard Metro Track rod end is 1/2 UNF x 20 TPI (teeth per inch)
The Quintin and Hazel part number for a single unit is QR1823S,
The VELO part unmber is VB370
both sides are listed the same.
The cost in 2009/2010 is approx. £5 each from my local factors.
This thread has been started before but the final detail I have been unable to find via searching the 5Exi forum.
I retrieved my car from TD after set up and odd other bits today and one of the comments from Dave was that the fitted TRE's are the wrong thread:- 
