Re: (Clarifying my situation) Removing tie rod end ball joints

[Mike Maclean <macleans@earthlink.net>]

Dave,
     I just rebuilt my rack, so I'm somewhat familiar with what you are talking
about. If the rack is out of the car, you can stick the ball joint assembly in
a vise and back the lock nut off.  If it is still in the car, there are two
flats inboard of the threads of the tie rod.  A big cresent wrench on these
flats will keep the rod stationary so you can loosen the locknut.  Of course it
is much easier if the ball joint is still in the steering arm.  A little Liquid
Wrench or similar would also be appropriate.
                        Mike MacLean-60 Sprite

Dave Vrba wrote:

>      Hello Listers:
>      I need to clarify my situation on removing the tie rod end ball
>      joints.  I do not need guidance on how to get the ball joints out of
>      the steering arm but on how to get the outer ball joint off the
>      threaded tie rod end.  The ball joint connection at the steering arm
>      was relatively easy to disconnect.
>
>      But I can't get the nut or the ball joint assembly loose.  This is why
>      I'd asked about reverse threads etc. in previous post.  This would
>      probably explain the "wobbly" condition it stated also.  With the ball
>      joint loose from the steering arm, everything is pretty wobbly.
>
>      Hope this clarifies my request for help.
>
>      Dave '62 MKII Sprite
>      Dublin, CA
>      HAN6L14083