aaddpp

I worked on pulling the manifold tonight, and got almost all the way, but I could not figure how to disconnect the ball linkage located under the manifold, just infront of the MAF. I used Dwaynes write up which recommends "prying" or "pulling" the connector off the ball. I tried, but stopped for fear of breaking something.

Is a huge ammount required? Should the linkage be aligned a certain way? Is there a trick beyond brute force / leverage?

Thanks,
Dave

StratfordShark

Does the ball have a little wire retaining clip on it? If so just push this off before prying (it may need to be withdrawn too fro little hole - don't remember).

If no such clip then yes, a broad screwdriver blade between ball and joint will make it pop off when twisted, or I also use pair of long nose pliers so you're just pulling socket back.

None of this should involve much force. Spray a little penetrant around joint if it's not moving but if you can pull it away a few mm with fingers then it's not stuck.

To replace it will either push on, or can be squeezed back on with said pliers.