Bx2200 axial ball joint replacement

[warment]

See image below. I am replacing the axial ball (see white arrow in the image), but the hydraulic steering ram (see black arrow in the image) is spinning when I try to unscrew the axial ball.

 

[warment]

I tried gripping the ram with a vice grips (I had a piece of rubber to keep the from scratching) with no luck.

 

[TripleR]

Thanks, now I understand, are you sure it's threaded and not a press fit? I've never run into that and after trying a strap wrench, I'd be at a loss.

 

[davesl708]

I tried gripping the ram with a vice grips (I had a piece of rubber to keep the from scratching) with no luck.

Those are the tie-rod ends. Right behind the tie rod end, on the right side, and the exposed part of the cylinder shaft you will find two flat spots on the cylinder shaft to place a wrench to hold the shaft from spinning.

Last edited by davesl708; Yesterday at 12:47 PM.

 

[TripleR]

Yep, I just pulled up the exploded diagram from Messick's and see the flats mentioned by Dave.

 

[warment]

Ok guys...I did not see any flat spots on the hydraulic steering ram (black arrow)...I will look again tonight though. I do see flat spots on the out tie rod ends, but those won't keep the hydraulic steering ram from spinning. The new axial balls have a male threaded end (clockwise to tighten, counterclockwise to loosen) that threads into the hydraulic steering ram.

Thanks for all our your help. I will eventually figure this out...I hope...

 

[TripleR]

I wonder if there was a change, my diagram is from our BX2660, I can't get to my BX2200 right now to check.

 

[warment]

Is the flat spot you see closest to the outside/tire? Or closest to the ram in the center? I definitely didn't notice any flat spot on the outer side, and could not feel/see any flat spot towards the inside.

 

[TripleR]

Outside tire. Send Messick an email request and he will send it to you, very handy when ordering parts.

 

[warment]

I have an illustrated parts manual for my BX2200, deck and loader. I just looked at the steering diagram and it appears to have a flat spot right at the axial ball like you guys have mentioned. I will look again tonight and post again. I am really going to feel stupid if it is indeed there and I simply did not see it.