The Ford Barn

Jwilli · 04-05-2015, 02:25 PM

Need advise on how to remove ball from tie rod end. The steering arm has a delta mark then A 3130. The ball shaft was welded on the bottom and broke off. I have removed the end plug, but I can't get the ball out. I can compress the spring using a C clamp, but it returns as soon as the clamp is removed. Les's book says to lift the tie rod end off the ball. I can't even get it off with the shaft held in a vise and using a crowbar. I need good advise from one of you experts. Thanks in advance.

Pmsqrd · 04-05-2015, 03:37 PM

This is another example of a poorly done ball replacement. Call Bert's and buy a rebuilt arm from them. The old ball should come out of the tie rod end once you unscrew the slotted cap end. You might also check the other ball ends to see if they were similarly repaired and waiting to fail.

Jwilli · 04-05-2015, 04:00 PM

I agree that it was a poor replacement. The weld looked poorly done. I agree the ball should come out. As stated I have removed the end plug. Snyder's list a new tie rod end, but they recommend using the original if possible. I just have to remove the ball first. It appears that someone may have used the wrong spring or seat. Thanks for the reply.

jax55 · 04-05-2015, 04:12 PM

Looks like you have it off the car. Does the spring come out of the rod end after removing the plug? If not, something is jammed inside and won't let the seat back off. I would suggest hooking something to the spring and see if you can pull it out, but if the spring is bad it may screw up the plug end threads... that would be bad if you are going to reuse it.
Maybe the ball was welded on the car and the heat "welded" the spring and ball to the rod end? Would love to know what you find out.

Jwilli · 04-05-2015, 04:33 PM

The spring was put in before the ball cup. I think that might be backward. Don I will try the chisel. I bought a book from you at the swap meet at Tucker last year. Look forward to going this year. Enjoyed seeing the Cofer collection, they have some great cars. Thanks for the suggestion.

Big hammer · 04-05-2015, 04:46 PM

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Compress spring and ball with c clamp chuck shaft in vise use crow bar

Tom Wesenberg · 04-05-2015, 05:27 PM

Just wonder if you clamp the end in a vice then use a 1/2" punch or long bolt placed against the ball at 45 degrees, so you can strike it with a 3 pound hammer to drive the ball inward and out the hole? Be sure to wear leather gloves and a face shield in case the spring pops out.

04-05-2015, 03:37 PM	#2
Pmsqrd Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 216	Re: Broken steering arm This is another example of a poorly done ball replacement. Call Bert's and buy a rebuilt arm from them. The old ball should come out of the tie rod end once you unscrew the slotted cap end. You might also check the other ball ends to see if they were similarly repaired and waiting to fail.

04-05-2015, 04:00 PM	#3
Jwilli Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Kennesaw, Ga Posts: 511	Re: Broken steering arm I agree that it was a poor replacement. The weld looked poorly done. I agree the ball should come out. As stated I have removed the end plug. Snyder's list a new tie rod end, but they recommend using the original if possible. I just have to remove the ball first. It appears that someone may have used the wrong spring or seat. Thanks for the reply.

04-05-2015, 04:12 PM	#4
jax55 Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca Posts: 329	Re: Broken steering arm Looks like you have it off the car. Does the spring come out of the rod end after removing the plug? If not, something is jammed inside and won't let the seat back off. I would suggest hooking something to the spring and see if you can pull it out, but if the spring is bad it may screw up the plug end threads... that would be bad if you are going to reuse it. Maybe the ball was welded on the car and the heat "welded" the spring and ball to the rod end? Would love to know what you find out.

04-05-2015, 04:33 PM	#5
Jwilli Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Kennesaw, Ga Posts: 511	Re: Broken steering arm The spring was put in before the ball cup. I think that might be backward. Don I will try the chisel. I bought a book from you at the swap meet at Tucker last year. Look forward to going this year. Enjoyed seeing the Cofer collection, they have some great cars. Thanks for the suggestion.

04-05-2015, 04:46 PM	#6
Big hammer Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 3,131	Re: Broken steering arm Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Compress spring and ball with c clamp chuck shaft in vise use crow bar

04-05-2015, 05:27 PM	#7
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Broken steering arm Just wonder if you clamp the end in a vice then use a 1/2" punch or long bolt placed against the ball at 45 degrees, so you can strike it with a 3 pound hammer to drive the ball inward and out the hole? Be sure to wear leather gloves and a face shield in case the spring pops out.