Sheath inside a push rod end ball joint?

[Tim Good]

I was reviewing my steering and notice this little bit of material half hanging out of on of my ball joints at the end of the push rod which attaches to my steering rudder stock. I removed it and there is now a small amount of play which I'd like to get rid of. I can tighten up the push rod to remove this play by I imagine this small bit of padding from inside the ball joint is important.

Q: what is this material and is it a bad move to tighten up to remove any play?

 

[Poignard]

I suppose it is there to prevent metal-to-metal contact and the need for lubrication.

 

[Tim Good]

I suppose it is there to prevent metal-to-metal contact and the need for lubrication.

Are some ball joints metal on metal and just kept well greased?

 

[Poignard]

Are some ball joints metal on metal and just kept well greased?

Yes, they used to be before load-bearing plastics were developed. I've owned old cars with ball joints like that.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

What you have is a rod end liner for a self lubricated rod end. It has failed and you need to replace the rod end.

Click on one of the thumb nail sketches and you can see the rod end in section, annotated with liner in place.

http://www.shopfigs.com/v3/FIGS_FR-S_REARMEGAKIT

 

[macd]

...also called Rose joints or Helm joints. Less exotic ones here (and lots of other places):
http://www.bearingshopuk.co.uk/bearings-bushes/rod-end-bearings/
http://www.wdsltd.co.uk/product/3814/swivel-eye-rose-joint-rod-ends-stainless-steel-din648-wds-852/