Torque Ball Hell
After reading some forum posts at AACA.org and the Service Manual, I thought doing the install of the replacement Torque ball seal would not be too terribly difficult. I removed the nuts that hold the Torque Ball to the Torque Tube, disconnected the brake hose, disconnected the panhard bar and the shocks, then using a come-along and a ratchet strap was able to pull the rear axle back as far as it would go (as advised). But after much frustration, came to the conclusion that I was not going to be able to get the Torque Ball Retainer or Torque Ball to come out of the car, there just wasn’t enough clearance… period! Others have said they have done it, but it sure wasn’t working for me. So, considering that I was literally two bolts away from removing the entire rear axle, just just went ahead and pulled it. This finally gave me the room I needed to pull the Torque Ball Retainer and Torque ball out through the hole in the frame cross member. Sadly, it looks like the Torque Ball will need to be replaced. It has a very bad wear spot that will certainly keep it from making a seal. So the search is on for a replacement!
Torque Ball Clearance Problems
Dave, did you ever find a replacement torque ball? I’m curious about sources for this part.
Thanks.
Bob
Hi Bob, never could find a replacement. This part is not reproduced. You have to fix what you have or find a good used one.
Thanks. Great post on the torque ball repair. I have access to brazing materials and a lathe, so I will do the same if needed.
hey not even two days ago i replaced the two o rings inside the torque ball on my 60 electra 4 door. i had the same problem with clearence and all i can say is its really hard and requires a lot of pacience. my big problem was mating the shaft back to the tranny. is there any good technique.
also i where i got my o rings i belive he sells torque balls the web site is autotran.us
I am fairly certain that the clearance problem is related to wear of the trans mount. I had the same issue, even with the driveline out. After a lot of cussin’ I jacked the trans up a couple of inches and pulled everything right out.
Matt, did you use the guide pins as specified in the service manual?
i dont have a complete service manual it gave me very little info would u know where u can get these guide pins? cuz im gonna have to pull everything out agian to replace that torque ball seal. also i need some pretty hard to find parts like those reflectors that go on the back of the arm rests.
Matt, the guide pins are just bolts with the heads cut off, and slotted for a screwdriver.
I have a 60 Lesabre with a manual 3 speed – does anyone know where to source a clutch and pressure plate?