Ball joint tightening/loosening tips?

[westinbrad]

Does anyone have some good tips on tightening/loosening ball joints. In general, and to be more specific---tightening the inner tie rod ball joints.

I loosened the bolt on the inner tie rod ball joints pretty easily, but I feel I'm going to have a hard time tightening them back up.

 

[kurzy]

If you are talking about the steering linkage i'm pretty sure they are heim joints. When I adjusted mine i use a crowfoot socket and a rachet with a long extension. They are finicky. These sleds are very picky about having proper toe-out.

 

[westinbrad]

Hi Kurzy, I think a picture might help me decribe.

I got the nut off fairly easily, but I feel when i go back to tighten the nut, the whole thing is just going to spin.

I'm thinking angling the tie rod up/down so there's pressure on it, but somehow I feel that could damage it if too much force.

Also using some type of needle nose pliers.

Just was checking if there were other tricks.

 

[Supa Dexta]

You have to try and apply downward pressure on it if it spins (small pry bar, or sometimes even your hand), then once it does take a bite it should hold itself.

 

[kurzy]

Sorry I misunderstood. I've worked on others that had some flats for a wrench on the top side of the mounting just below the ball. I guess they expect you to completely dissassemble the whole steering linkage. Very frustrating. I wish I could've helped you.