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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6
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OP
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OK, here's a really dumb question (or two)...
I recently replaced my alternator (v6 duratech) and had to disconnect the tie rod end at the ball joint. When I was re-assembling, the threaded section would start spinning before it tightened up all the way.
My question: is there supposed to be something preventing the ball from spinning in the socket?
The nut was on far enough that I was able to grab the end of the threads with vice-grips and tighten the nut. After the nut got snug, it tightened up nicely without having to hold onto the threads.
My concern is that there is something excessively worn in the ball joint that might fail. Does anyone think this is the case?
Thanks,
-Ed.
98 MTX 2.5L SE (late)
84K miles, nice new reman alternator.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,910
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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tie rod ends are either flatten so that you can fit a wrench to them or you should be able to use an allen wrench on it to hold it from spinning, I believe 98 and on have the tie rod ends you can use an allen head wrench on
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2000
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I have a buddy pull on the rotor/knuckle assembly. Usually that's enough force to tighten the nut up on the tie rod.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
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Originally posted by brapple:
tie rod ends are either flatten so that you can fit a wrench to them or you should be able to use an allen wrench on it to hold it from spinning, I believe 98 and on have the tie rod ends you can use an allen head wrench on
Thanks! Everything was pretty grubby under there, and the allen socket wasn't obvious, but this makes perfect sense to me. I'll check when I get home.
98 MTX 2.5L SE (late)
84K miles, nice new reman alternator.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
No allen head on Contour ball joints.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,015
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Originally posted by todras:
No allen head on Contour ball joints.
You SUUUURE about that? 
2000 SVT Turbo 295hp/269ftlb@12psi
#1 for Bendix Brakes Kits!
Knuckles rebuilt w/new bearings $55
AUSSIE ENDLINKS $70
Gutted pre-cats $80/set
A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine!
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Joined: May 2002
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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First time i took the outer tie rods out to do wheel bearings i didn't notice the allen key thing I "discovered" it the second time after i finished replacing the LCAs.  I used C-clamps to hold it in place...iirc, it the torque specs on those things actually weren't too high...
1998 Mystique LS:
-2.5 Duratec ATX
-Vibrant White
--------------------
=Pics=
=Info=
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2000
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Originally posted by Stazi:
Originally posted by todras:
No allen head on Contour ball joints.
You SUUUURE about that?
Uh oh. LOL! I've never noticed that. 
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 611
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2000
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I also used a C-Clamp. If you get it on there right it puts enough pressure on it to hold it in place while you tighten the nut up. Air tools work great here.
1999 3.0L Cougar: 220fwhp and 200tq
2003 VW Passat W8 with 4 Motion AWD
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/300644
PM for intrest in 3L SVT Contours, 3L swaps into your current car, Prepped 3L engines, or anything 3L related.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2003
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Originally posted by Stazi:
Originally posted by todras:
No allen head on Contour ball joints.
You SUUUURE about that?
Not on mine. There's a little dent that looks like it could be, but I cleaned it out and it's just a little dent. I'm pretty sure it's the stock part, but I guess it could have been replaced at some point. Maybe I'll dig through my service records and see...
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