Jim -
Stepping in late to your questions.. You mention the steering rack and ball
joints. Are you referring to the tie rods at the end of the steering rack
and their connection to the vertical link (they are ball-type joints, just
not called the ball-joints) or are you talking about the actual ball joint
that connects the upper A-arms to the vertical link? If it's the tie rod
ends a standard fork tool and good 3 pound hammer to drive the wedge between
the joint and link should work. The ball joints (as far as I know on my 74)
simply unbolt from the upper A-arm and are the easiest to replace ball
joints I've ever dealt with!
The tie rods may require some good whacks (on the tie-rod tool) to get out.
Heat on the vertical link and good penetrating oil can't hurt, and cleaning
the tapered hole and coating with never-seize before reassembly will assure
you of easy disassembly in the future should it ever become necessary..
Gary R.
http://www.icer.net/TR6.html
74 TR6
Woodbury, CT
> On to my current question: I don't know what it is about me
> and ball joints, but I can only conclude that the Almighty
> created them to frustrate me. I'm trying to remove the
> steering rack so as to replace the mount bushings and
> gaiters.Also plan to replace the timing cover gasket.
>
> I have tried tapping the ball joint free with a ball joint
> fork, but it's not budging. I don't want to trash everything,
> so I've soaked it with WD40 and will let it sit for 24 hours.
> Should I try compressing the suspension in order to release
> pressure on the ball joint when I try again?
>
> Also, is there a specific SIZE of fork to use on this joint?
> I know this is probably silly to ask, but with these cars,
> who knows? Is there an incantation to recite and a rare herb
> to rub on the assembly, so as to appease the beast, or have I
> been working on the car too long?
>
> I await your counsel and prognostications. In the meantime,
> I'm opening a bottle of Thunderbird (with the paper bag) in
> an attempt to calm myself ... it's really not too bad after
> the first 1/2 bottle!
>
> Jim Jones
> '72 Emerald
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