I need to replace the rubber boots on both sides of my steering rack. From what I've researched so far, it appears that I need to separate the tie rods from the steering knuckles and then unscrew the tie rod from the rack. The problem is how to separate the tie rod from the the knuckle arm without damaging the ball joint. As I understand it, if I damage the ball joint, these are NLA and I've then got to replace the knuckles with a later version. I did some research in old posts, and it appears I may can find the early version ball joints, but before I ordered them, I thought I would seek advice from the board to see if anyone has any suggestions on the best way to do this without damaging the ball joints. Thanks for any help!

Best

Bob

Bob

You should be able to rent a puller from an auto parts store. It operates like a steering wheel puller and should keep the ball joint intact.

The other technique is to use a pickle fork but this may or may not keep the ball joint intact.

I hate to ask the obvious but have you tried Black Dragon, MSA, Courtesy Nissan, Nissaparts.com, or your local auto parts store. The last time I checked ball joints were still readily available...but I could be wrong.

You may want to get a DVD "Street Racing Suspensions" from ZTherapy too. It's very instructive if you are new to suspension work.

Good Luck.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1877070

This is what is listed on Rock Auto. I've been thinking about purchasing two, but I am not sure if this is the correct item.

Yes, I checked the catalog and when you look up 1970 it either doesn't show or says call. I looked at the rockauto.com catalog and it lists the same part number for a 1970 as a 1972. That can't be right. The knuckle on a 1970 is smaller and must be honed out if it's going to fit a later ball joint. Thanks for the replies.

Baby's got new Boots! Got the new rack boots on yesterday. Process wasn't hard and no damage to the ball joints. In fact after I got the nuts off, they just fell out of the knuckle. Counted the number of turns to get the tie rods off on both sides, replaced the boots, put the tie rods back on same number of turns, replaced the ball joints in the knuckles, secured the nuts and back in business! I would be able to do it a lot faster a second time. Just took my time and enjoyed tinkering.

Good ending to this thread Way to go.