I'm re-building a power steering box for a 69 car. Where can I find the tool called a ball retainer? How much?

THANKS

can't say as i'm 100% positive on this, but i dont think there is a such tool.

i think the "ball retainer" is another name for a piece of the box. perhaps the ball nut.

as far as i know, you feed the balls in by hand, individually. i've never actually had to do it.

my girlfriend loves it when i talk car. wonder why?

this is gonna head south real fast...

Er, uh, well it keeps your balls from falling out, uh, you stick it in there and it uh, holds them - in... If you don't use it, the balls will all fall out on the floor. I don't know if it is smooth or has grooves in it to hold 'em.
Man, this could be taken a couple of different ways ...
Kent Moore makes all the special GM tools.
David

Come on David quit trying to push it on someone else. All the guy is looking for is a jock (athletic supporter). :D

Seriously though I don't know of this tool.

a jock :D
that's the first thing i thought too.
shows where my mind is.
i did try to keep a straight face throughout most of the post.

i swear my service manual mentions nothing of a ball retainer.

it does say to coat the balls with petroleum jelly. (to keep them from falling out)

:rolleyes:

J7539 is the tool number, should be made by Kent Moore. the photo of it in the manual is not clear but it looks like just a straight shaft with a centering point on one end. I think you stick it into the nut and slide the nut over the shaft.
David

The special tool that you need to install the rack piston with the circuit balls in place can be downloaded from this sight: www.corvettefaq.com/A-car.asp (http://www.corvettefaq.com/A-car.asp)

Download this paper:
Saginaw RB Power Gear Disassembly & Repair Pic #5 -recommended assembly torque specs and assembly tool drawing

There are several more papers on disassembling the gear. They are:

Saginaw RB Power Gear Disassembly & Repair Pic #1, 2, 3, & 4.

I made my own tool out of some old heater hose. There's a thread somewhere in the archives that describes how to do it. Do a search...

And JIML82, thanks for sharing all the great info! I completely rebuilt a 87 Monte SS box to put in my 67 with the help of your instructions.

Jason

So there really is a tool. Sorry David and others it was just too funny not to say something.

WOW, when I asked I didn't think of all the possible answeres I could get :D !!!! Anyway thanks for the info on Kent Moore tools, will check with them.

I tried using a long socket last night (I think it was a 10 mm) in place of the tool and it worked after several tries. If I can't locate the tool or if it cost to much, I can at least try the socket again. Everything needs to be cleaned first.

THANKS ALL! graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I turned down the O.D of some 1/2" copper water pipe to make this tool. you could probably sand some down about 1/32 I'm guessing about on the diameter.
TTFN
Mat

Thanks Mat that is a good idea!

I can't fathom the amount of restraint used on this post. We have questions about balls, nuts, lubing balls, slipping nuts, supporting balls, and no one, not one person got down and dirty. You are all to be applauded for your restraint. I bet your heads were hurting with all the come-backs flashing through your mind at Mach 5. Dennis would be proud. :eek: graemlins/beers.gif graemlins/beers.gif