Once the nut off the ball joint stud is removed, is it okay for the tie rod to come out of the tapered joint without any force? (Most times a hammer on the end of the arm, tie rod removal tool or pickle fork is required).

Is it okay for a tie rod ball joint stud to be 'gritty' when moving it back and forth? (I think they should be smooth and somewhat stiff to move).

Thanks,

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Brian Toscano

I have never seen one come off without some force, even if the stud itself was lubed prior to tightening, then dissassembled shortly thereafter (Doh!). I would have to wonder if it was fully seated in the first place.

Wait! I take that back! I saw this once when the tapered seat had been partially damaged by a bad job of drilling out a seized stud.

"Gritty" is bad. Smooth and stiff is good.

That is why sex on the beach is overrated.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.