Z Bar

[Stephen DeFazio]

well on the was to a show today the Z bar pivot ball broke what am I looking at to fix it.

[GoVetteGo]

;sp ;sp ;sp Steve - it shouldn't be too hard to repair depending on where the pivot ball broke. The toughest part might be getting the remainder of the pivot ball out of the block.
You might be able to disconnect the Z-bar without removing the rod to the clutch pedal or the rod to the clutch. Remove the nut on that attaches the Z-bar to the frame & move the Z-bar out of the way. Remove the remains of the pivot ball, install a new ball, slide the Z-bar onto the pivot ball & reattach to the frame. My 76 has a grease fitting that I lubricate regularly - have you greased the Z-bar?

Disclaimer: I am assuming your frame is similar to my C-3s. You are a little modified!!!!

Good luck Steve.

[Tony B.96LT4]

I agreee with govettego. Depending on which pivot ball went. Frame side easy fix. Block side if it broke below the hex not so easy. Here's hoping it's the easy one. BTW had this happen to a '65 that I had in the late sixties. If you don't have a grease fitting in your Z-bar have one put in, and since you're in that area check out your motor mounts.

[Stephen DeFazio]

got the z bar out and the broken pivot ball out and the threads out of the block now just have to get a ball "where at" is there more then one kind since my motor is a 70 and the trans is a m21 i think the linkage is the 65 should i replace the frame side wile im at it. it has the grease fitting and a ton of grease in it. and tony if you want to come over and help be my guest. thank you guys for the help.

[Tony B.96LT4]

Since you're already there I'd replace the frame side as well. I think all the pivot balls were the same, meaning big block/small block. I don't know about the frame side. Should be able to find them on-line if you can't get them local. Check your motor mounts as well cause if they're bad that'll put undo stress on the z-bar, not to mention making the throttle stick. If you need help putting it back in shoot me an email.

[GoVetteGo]

Steve, there are 2 pivot balls listed in my parts book - one for 63-72 another for 73-81. I'd go by the year of your frame. Try any local Corvette parts house. They should carry what you need. There are also seals & seats you should consider replacing. Tony is right - check the motor mounts and install a grease fitting if it is absent.

John

[Stephen DeFazio]

ya i think you guy are right i will do both. the ball that broke has no or very little wear on it so i will check the motor mounts. now if only i had a lift. the good thing there is a lot of room to work on the Z-bar from the top. does the Z-Bar ever wear out and if so how can you tell.