Replacing clutch cross-shaft stud welded to frame
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Replacing clutch cross-shaft stud welded to frame
Went to replace the clutch pushrod bushing and felt a lot of play in the cross-shaft. Unfortunately the cross-shaft ball stud was worn down and created a groove in the cross-shaft, so I will need to replace both.
Has anyone ever replaced the cross-shaft ball stud, and what is the best way to remove the press-fit stud from the bracket? Is it possible to tap the bracket to fit a later model threaded ball stud?
A small job has turned into a big job...again...
Has anyone ever replaced the cross-shaft ball stud, and what is the best way to remove the press-fit stud from the bracket? Is it possible to tap the bracket to fit a later model threaded ball stud?
A small job has turned into a big job...again...
#2
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Isn't the ball stud threaded in?
#3
Burning Brakes
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#4
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The frame bracket has a slot it slips into and. You tighten up a bolt that holds it into the bracket. The ball stud in block is threaded in.
#5
Le Mans Master
Correct, the backside has the appearance of being peened over. I have never had to replace one, but if I did I would start by cutting the old one off with a grinder on the stud side very close to the frame bracket. Then use a Dremel on the backside to remove the factory flare. With that done, you should be able to lightly tap the center and the last little bit will fall out leaving a round hole to insert the new stud. Don't beat on the frame bracket as you don't want to upset the alignment geometry of the cross shaft. Get yourself a new ball stud and have a good shop weld it in from the backside. If you have the room and are careful you could peen it over first, but a weld is necessary I/M/O for a strong field repair with the body still in place. Pilot Dan
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#7
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#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Correct, the backside has the appearance of being peened over. I have never had to replace one, but if I did I would start by cutting the old one off with a grinder on the stud side very close to the frame bracket. Then use a Dremel on the backside to remove the factory flare. With that done, you should be able to lightly tap the center and the last little bit will fall out leaving a round hole to insert the new stud. Don't beat on the frame bracket as you don't want to upset the alignment geometry of the cross shaft. Get yourself a new ball stud and have a good shop weld it in from the backside. If you have the room and are careful you could peen it over first, but a weld is necessary I/M/O for a strong field repair with the body still in place. Pilot Dan
Such a poorly designed part... Why not a bearing on the shaft instead of a ball???
#9
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#11
Le Mans Master
I personally would not mix and try to match parts for an important item like this. It's an item that can easily leave you stuck somewhere. Find someone that welds to help you fix it the right way. While I was out with my 59 today, I took a look at this and I think the best way to approach it would be to have the car up on jack stands (a lift would be ideal) and remove the left splash shield, front wheel and washer tank (if you have one) and work from underneath. That will give you the most room to work. On a lift raised about 4 ft would be perfect for the easiest access.
#12
Melting Slicks
Anyway, the ball stud is to accommodate spherical movement. The shaft must both rotate to operate the clutch and rotate in an axis 90* to the first, to accommodate engine mount movement. A simple bushing or bearing would bind. Again.. Good design. Pretty bright guys at GM!
Harry
#13
Burning Brakes
Actually, the replacement part is the clutch cross shaft bracket, which comes with the ball stud attached,,, You cut the old one off the frame and weld the new one on, Welding on just the ball stud wouldn't be any easier, and which stud would you use?
Not very hard to do, I replaced the one on my 56, with the body on, without a lift... used a sawzall to cut the old one off, IIRC...
Guess you could grind off the stud, and bolt the new stud to the bracket,,, But it isn't that hard to change...
Good luck which ever way you go...
Regards,
John
Not very hard to do, I replaced the one on my 56, with the body on, without a lift... used a sawzall to cut the old one off, IIRC...
Guess you could grind off the stud, and bolt the new stud to the bracket,,, But it isn't that hard to change...
Good luck which ever way you go...
Regards,
John
Last edited by knockbill; 08-12-2014 at 04:25 PM.
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#18
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Paragon has the ball stud by itself.
#19
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
As suggested, I will remove the splashguard and work from underneath, and will cut the ball off and bang it out before welding the new one in (they are only $7/ea). I just wish the ball that destroyed itself was the one on the removable bracket instead of the welded. The ball stud mounted to the motor was only slightly worn, but I am replacing it anyway while I am in there.
After a bit of searching, I found a good writeup here also:
http://www.rarecorvettes.com/RARE/ClutchLinkage.html
Not that good... and for $7 for a replacement ball stud, not worth the effort.
#20
Went to replace the clutch pushrod bushing and felt a lot of play in the cross-shaft. Unfortunately the cross-shaft ball stud was worn down and created a groove in the cross-shaft, so I will need to replace both.
Has anyone ever replaced the cross-shaft ball stud, and what is the best way to remove the press-fit stud from the bracket? Is it possible to tap the bracket to fit a later model threaded ball stud?
A small job has turned into a big job...again...
Has anyone ever replaced the cross-shaft ball stud, and what is the best way to remove the press-fit stud from the bracket? Is it possible to tap the bracket to fit a later model threaded ball stud?
A small job has turned into a big job...again...