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