Yummybud924

I tried teh pickle fork but htey won't budge and then I tried hittign the steering knuckle with a metal 5 pound hammer swinging like a caveman and nothing just starting to dent the knuckle.

2 years ago I had teh same problem I had to remove the whole spindle and take it to a shop...... I'd rather not do that again I'm just installing my manual steering rack.

I read online that you can get a tie rod end pullyer (looks kidn of like a pitman arm puller).

not sure if I can find this at a local parts place tomorrow also I doubt there is enough room to fit it on without removing the brake rotor.

Yarf

This tool works for me.
http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...tor-99849.html

Travis - sflraver

Take the nut off the tie rod end. Get a big hammer and give it one BIG bonk on the SIDE of the spindle where the tie rod end goes thru. This causes the taper to let go and the tie rod end will just drop out.
Just to be clear, you are NOT hitting the tie rod end. You are hitting the spindle part on the side where the tie rod end passes thru. Hit it once and hit it good.

John_AZ

Good tool.

Some of the AutoZone/Checker/O'Reilly stores rent/deposit these tools as well.

John

ideola

+1, this is the tool I use. Hitting the spindle has not worked for me, but it might be because I'm typically dealing with a bit older cars...

Also, FWIW, you've probably mushroomed the threads on your tie rod end and now you're going to need new ones.

Tom M'Guinn

I bought one at the local autoparts store, and took a bench grinder to it so it would fit better. Popped right out -- after nothing else worked for me.

xschop

I put a regular Tie rod nut on the tie rod threads (for more hammer surface) put spindle and tie rod end in freezer for couple hours. Remove and run warm water on ONLY the spindle end, place spindle arm on 2x4 and whack the tie-rod nut.......Done this a few times, never fails.

MN944S

I've had good luck with a 2-jaw gear puller, NAPA #3551.http://www.napaonline.com/Search/Det...51_0006402382#
Not the best tool for the job but it works.

I always use a piece of brass or similar between the screw and the top of the joint so it doesn't mushroom it.

The BFH method will usually take care of it though. (Nut loosened even to the top of threads, one good whack.)

Yummybud924

thanks, i'm going to go and try to find a tool like that today.

gear puller didn't work for me last time, the gear puller actually warped.

I don't want to take the spindle off so i'm not going to use that freezer method.

Yummybud924

that's exactly what I did with a 5 pound hammer and it did nothing. one of my tie rod ends was also replaced 2 years ago so it's not like they are both 25 years old.

MN944S

Clarification on this: Only whack them directly if you are replacing them.

Travis - sflraver

You didn't hit it hard enough. One GOOD whack on the side.

I had the same trouble with this method until someone showed me a few years ago. I didn't realize just how hard you hit it. I have yet to have one take more than a single hit since.

Again, this is on the side where the taper goes thru the spindle, not on the nut or threads.

Marcquito

Hit the side of it to loosen the taper, the hit the 'castle' nut threaded loosely on (so you don't hurt the threads) to get it out. You should succeed. Oh... and spray it with some WD40, maybe.

Yummybud924

thanks guys I got it out. I paid 15 bucks for a tie rod separator tool like the one posted and it took 10 seconds to pop them out. way better than smashing it with my hammer. maybe I wasn't hitting it hard enough but I like this tool way better.

anyways got my new manual rack in just have to adjust the tie rod ends...... my allignment is going to be really bad as I'm just going by eye to see if the wheels are straight until I get it to the alignment shop on friday when I have time.

is it okay to drive it short distances till then or would I ruin my tires pretty fast?

I can't wait to see how much lighter it will be with manual steering vs depowered power rack.

thanks.

apierce918

short distances you would probably be ok, if you are fighting with it to stay on the road it might be worse, but i dont think your tires would be showing belts or anything