Iceracer

iTrader: (1)

What's the proper way to remove a plastic socket end of a tie rod from a ball joint in order to minimize wear and tear. Does it wear out the socket every time you pry one off?

JayL

3racing has a cool tool
precisionrc has them

timmay70

iTrader: (5)

I use a pair of locking needle nose pliers, however, I don't let them lock on the rod end... Grip the rod end where the turnbuckle goes in so that you are gripping the plastic over the metal.... this way it won't crush, and it allows you to add more pressure if you find the pliers slipping. Next, rotate the pliers the same as you would as if you are making a turnbuckle adjustment. The sucker should pop right off.

I replace my rod ends (ball cups) whenever they are showing excessive wear, or when one pops off. I usually replace all of them at once, as they are all probably worn to some extent. It also keeps the chassis nice and tight.

Yeti35

iTrader: (5)

I personally just use a curved pick, for I just happened to have one in my box. I just get the pick under the ball cup and pry up and it pops off.