steering nuckle removal
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
steering nuckle removal
I am just beginning the process of repalcing the front suspension on my 76. Considering most of the componants are still the original from 35 years ago, the disassembly was going reasonably well. I removed the shock absorber. Next I placed a Jack inder the lowere A-Arm. Finally I removed all of the cotter pins and took the castle nuts off or the uper and lower ball joints. As I lowered the jack I was expecting to have the steering nuckle come loose from the ball joints. No such luck. I have tried pounding on it with a rubber mallet, and still no luck. Am i missing something here? Does anyone have any tips?
I am also having trouble getting the tie rod end loose from the steering nuckle. Looking at the AIM i see that there is a rivet at the end of the steering arm. What is it for, and do I need to drill it out in order to replace the tie rod ends? It sure does not seem like I should need to.
I am also having trouble getting the tie rod end loose from the steering nuckle. Looking at the AIM i see that there is a rivet at the end of the steering arm. What is it for, and do I need to drill it out in order to replace the tie rod ends? It sure does not seem like I should need to.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 719
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Here is one write up
Here is one write up that might help:
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/susp...d.html?Itemid=
I am sure there are others. This write up shows using a pickle fork. Harbor Freight has a front end tool kit with a c shaped press that works better than the pickle fork IMHO.
Good luck and hope this helps.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/susp...d.html?Itemid=
I am sure there are others. This write up shows using a pickle fork. Harbor Freight has a front end tool kit with a c shaped press that works better than the pickle fork IMHO.
Good luck and hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
The tie rod ends and the upper/lower ball joints are a tapered interference fit.... a press fit.... they don't just come apart unless they are loose due to damage. That's why the "special" tools are required to separate them. Pickle forks can cause collateral damage but are widely used. I use pullers.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 6,134
Likes: 46
From: Raleigh North Carolina
I have a OTC pitman arm puller that "just" fits between the two ball joints... and it pops the difficult ones off.... when the "BFH" method fails.
Also... be aware that big-block coil springs are a lot more violent than smallblock springs. A big-block spring sent me to the hospital... you have to deal with them differently.
