Vent Ball Replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 696
Likes: 260
From: Stavanger- Norway
Vent Ball Replacement
Can anyone shed som light as to the best way to get the drivers side vent ball replaced. The drivers side has a lot of wires and stuff and does not seem to want to move much after I loosened the screws. I just need to get it away from its mounting place JUST enough to get in and replace the air vent ball.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,248
From: Westminster Maryland
There is a plastic 'bellows' that connects the ball housing to the air plenum in the hinge pillar. This needs to be taken out to get enough room to get the ball out. There is a wing nut that holds the "bellows' to the plenum, and the the ball housing is a 'slip' fit into the 'bellows'. It's tight... loosening the emergency brake bracket helps...so do tiny hands.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wash.
I replaced both of my vents this way. Both came out very easy. Don't forget to order the seals while you are at it. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
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From: Long Island New York
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: SoCal
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
If those vent ***** are real loose and don't stay in position, it's likely that the seal/gasket in the housing is worn out. You can buy replacement seals or you can make your own out of 1/4" wide strips of black felt material.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,363
Likes: 1,059
From: Virginia USA
There is a plastic 'bellows' that connects the ball housing to the air plenum in the hinge pillar. This needs to be taken out to get enough room to get the ball out. There is a wing nut that holds the "bellows' to the plenum, and the the ball housing is a 'slip' fit into the 'bellows'. It's tight... loosening the emergency brake bracket helps...so do tiny hands.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
I changed mine out with the dash on the workbench. The felt seals that came with the kit were a little tight but some trimming with a exacto-blade loosened them up so they would turn good but tight enough to hold their position.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
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From: Peekskill NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: upstate N.Y.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Rotate the ball so that the openings are facing up/down or left/right in the dash panel. Then grab the area which sticks-out and pull out. Orient the same way to reinstall, then turn to the position you want it to stay.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: FBO Florida
It can be done both ways. There is a slight possiblity that the 3 screw plastic surround could crack when you pull the ball out through the front. In my estimation it is worth a try though since removing the entire instrument face is stinking hard.
If you rotate the ball as mentioned above so the chrome belt faces out and pull back evenly --it should pop out. Have new felt seals ready.
They can be glued in with silicone adhesive. Remove all the old adhesive which should easily peel out. Cut the new felt first for fit, then apply the adhesive to the back of the felt only. Press it in place evenly around the perimeter. Two felts (inner and outer) are used per vent.
Wait an hour or two and put the vent ball in the same way it came out.
If you rotate the ball as mentioned above so the chrome belt faces out and pull back evenly --it should pop out. Have new felt seals ready.
They can be glued in with silicone adhesive. Remove all the old adhesive which should easily peel out. Cut the new felt first for fit, then apply the adhesive to the back of the felt only. Press it in place evenly around the perimeter. Two felts (inner and outer) are used per vent.
Wait an hour or two and put the vent ball in the same way it came out.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 696
Likes: 260
From: Stavanger- Norway
I removed and replaced mine from the outside only.
I rotated the vent ball so that the openingis pointed side ways and they pulled right out
Then reinstall the same way.
David
I rotated the vent ball so that the openingis pointed side ways and they pulled right out
Then reinstall the same way.
David
They are out. 
Thanks!
