On Sat, Mar 7, 2009 at 8:03 PM, neil N <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi all. > > This is for an '81 Westy. > > This ball joint nut is really stuck: > > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/TieRodNutMark.jpg/TieRodNutMark-full;init:.jpg
I replaced the tie rod with a spare. But for the sake of learning, here's how the saga ends. ;) Heat/penetrating oil/BFH = loosened nut. But, tie rod ball joint was really stuck. I suspect these may be the original parts. So for any other newb with a stuck tie rod ball joint end, I'd suggest cutting it instead of wrestling with the part. (I'm not sure how much whacking etc. a tie rod can handle. Call me a worry wart. <grin>) The only caveat being, don't damage the tie rod threads: http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/TieRodEndCut.jpg/TieRodEndCut-full;init:.jpg I used a Dremel cut off wheel. A hack saw + high tooth count blade would be fine too. Maybe cut a little, try turning it, cut some more. Rinse and repeat. I got lucky and *barely* nicked the tie rod threads. http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/TieRodEndRusty.jpg/TieRodEndRusty-full;init:.jpg Thanks for the help people! Neil.
-- > Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" > > http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/ > > http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines >
-- Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/ http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines |
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