Tie Rod End Help Needed

[7.3 on 40s]

Replaced my LF outer tie rod end and used an air powered grease gun to fill the joint. Few miles down the road see a stream of grease coming from the grease fitting. Inside the fiting there seems to be a ball and spring. Took the fitting off and found the spring but could not find the ball. I would rather just put a new grease fitting on than go return the tie rod and do the job again. Do you think the little ball can get lodged inside the joint or is the clearance inside a tie rod joint to tight for anything of that size to get in?

[dazed01]

I would just put a new grease fitting on and call it a day.

[7.3 on 40s]

Thats what i did. Seems to be fine. I would imagine the clearance would be to tight inside the joint for a check ball to squeeze its way in. If there was a lot of clearance there would be play.