Help requested for a general spannering problem

baxlin · 25th July 2008, 18:49

Apologies that this isn't MGR related, but I've hit on a problem with the JZR. I built the thing, and obviously built it too well, as I now can't separate one of the steering rack ball joints.

I have a scissor-type splitter, and did the other side one easily, but the second joint just won't go.

I've put so much pressure on the splitter that I've distorted the thread on the joint (even with the nut left half-undone with the intention of saving the thread) so that I can't now reassemble it, and will have to replace the joint, assuming I can split it!

I've soaked it in PlusGas over the last couple of days, but I've run out of ideas.

can anyone come up with a solution? I've not used one of the drive-in forked splitters, as they looked a bit Heath Robinson to me, but are they more efficient than the scissors ones?

Not very happy, as with the promised nice weather over the weekend I was looking forward to putting a few miles on, giving the 75 a weekend off.

TIA
Malcolm

chris75 · 25th July 2008, 19:14

So long as you can get at it ok , I 've always found that smacking the tapered housing arm on both sides at once with a pair of 2lb hammers does the trick. The shock springs the joint apart. Coordination is the key , and don't be afraid to hit it.

T-Cut · 26th July 2008, 11:22

Agreed. The Morse taper usually releases when struck from the sides. A pair of club hammers and a good eye are often all that's needed.

TC

baxlin · 27th July 2008, 20:53

Finally split the joint, but it didn't give up easily. I bought a "tuning fork" type splitter, but it still wouldn't go. I'd tried heat, symultaneous opposite hammer blows, etc, and finally decided to rip out all the rubber seal, and once the fork-type splitter had metal-to-metal contact, it went on about the third blow.

So thanks for all the input, chaps.

malcolm

25th July 2008, 18:49	#1
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	Help requested for a general spannering problem Apologies that this isn't MGR related, but I've hit on a problem with the JZR. I built the thing, and obviously built it too well, as I now can't separate one of the steering rack ball joints. I have a scissor-type splitter, and did the other side one easily, but the second joint just won't go. I've put so much pressure on the splitter that I've distorted the thread on the joint (even with the nut left half-undone with the intention of saving the thread) so that I can't now reassemble it, and will have to replace the joint, assuming I can split it! I've soaked it in PlusGas over the last couple of days, but I've run out of ideas. can anyone come up with a solution? I've not used one of the drive-in forked splitters, as they looked a bit Heath Robinson to me, but are they more efficient than the scissors ones? Not very happy, as with the promised nice weather over the weekend I was looking forward to putting a few miles on, giving the 75 a weekend off. TIA Malcolm __________________ Only my opinion, obviously, so please don’t shoot me if it doesn’t match yours!

27th July 2008, 20:53	#4
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	Done it!! Finally split the joint, but it didn't give up easily. I bought a "tuning fork" type splitter, but it still wouldn't go. I'd tried heat, symultaneous opposite hammer blows, etc, and finally decided to rip out all the rubber seal, and once the fork-type splitter had metal-to-metal contact, it went on about the third blow. So thanks for all the input, chaps. malcolm __________________ Only my opinion, obviously, so please don’t shoot me if it doesn’t match yours!

25th July 2008, 19:14	#2
chris75 same car since 2005 2001 Rover 75 2.0 v6 Connoisseur Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ellesmere Port , Cheshire Posts: 3,811 Thanks: 379 Thanked 549 Times in 466 Posts	So long as you can get at it ok , I 've always found that smacking the tapered housing arm on both sides at once with a pair of 2lb hammers does the trick. The shock springs the joint apart. Coordination is the key , and don't be afraid to hit it.

26th July 2008, 11:22	#3
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	Agreed. The Morse taper usually releases when struck from the sides. A pair of club hammers and a good eye are often all that's needed. TC