Winter44

Can anyone help me figure out how to get these 2 parts... apart. First is the tierod end. It's an 83 manual rack. I have the bolt off, but can't figure out how to separate them and don't want to break anything.



The other issue, is getting the speedo cable out of the steering spindle. It gets almost all the way out, then snags on something. No matter how much I jiggle it or spin it, it won't break free.





Thanks!

william_b_noble

given the condition of the cable (it looks destroyed), I'd just cut it off.

to separate the tie rod, you use a "pickle fork" and a big hammer or you get a special tool that presses it out - either will work - I use the pickle fork approach, but that is because I have a selection of them. I have taken them apart with a steel block and a sledge hammer, but I'd discourage that unless you are really desperate

Winter44

Thanks for the quick response!

Of course more tools to buy... Is it difficult to reroute a new speedo cable? I'd rather just keep this one. It looks jacked up, but its the end of it that keeps snagging inside the spindle.

jeffrsmith

Once you get the tie rod loose and you can straighten out the path that you are pulling the speedo cable it will probably come out. From the looks of the pic, you have a pretty good bend that is more than likely causing it to bind.

To separate the tie rod end, you could put the nut back on until it is flush with the top of the stud, support the end of the steering knuckle with a jack stand, then give the nut a good solid whack with a heavy hammer - it should pop right out. Not the correct method, but it will work in a pinch.

william_b_noble

the tie rod tools are inexpensive, it's worth having some.

The cable probably pulls all the way out from the housing and through the spindle - I haven't worked on that vintage car, but I'd definitely replace the cable (the core, not the housing). I seem to remember that it worked that way on my 356 - your cable core is in seriously deteriorated condition, a new core can be bought at any auto parts store, it's a universal replacement.

Winter44

Ok so i went and got a pickle fork. Hammered it in over the boot cover. all I managed to do was squeeze grease out... What am I doing wrong? is this like a ball joint that needs a lot of pressure to come out?

konakat

I had a ton of trouble with mine. I did mine on the car, but the solution is the same. You have to use the pickle fork so that the end of the steering arm is still exposed on the knuckle. Then crank on the pickle fork as a hard as possible to get some tension going. Next you have to strike the end of the steering arm with a BIG hammer. This isn't intuitive, but the shock of the hammer strike will slightly deform the hole in the knuckle and allow the tie rod to unfreeze. I didn't believe it would work, but after a ton of solvent, hammering the tie rod, and torching I had no luck. This method released it in 3 strikes.

MAGK944

I never use a pickle fork or any special tools, always done this:

Two or three sharp hits and it's off.

bonus12

I rented a tie rod end removal tool from oreilly for free. Good chance it will tear the tie rod boot, though.

Winter44

I just got that exact tool. I think my problem is that the tie rod is the last thing connected to the steering knuckle. Everything else is disconnected. I'm guessing I should attach the knuckle back to the strut assembly so I can have resistance when prying it off.

Fara

I personally use a tie rod end remover.
It's a low cost tool that gets the job done right.

However, I'd suggest getting a brand name version of the tool, as I know of one case where the tool broke in two while removing a particularly stubborn tie rod end.

[Edit] Mine looks a lot like this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html

MAGK944

Seriously guys, just do this and forget about those tools:

Dandy_don

Go buy a tie rod end puller from Autozone. Cost about $40 if I recall. Takes all of the guesswork out of it. I have a pickle fork and a big hammer as well but every time i use I end up having to replace the tie rod end. This puller is specially designed not not to mess up the rubber boot.

See link

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=209525_0_0_

konakat

If it's really stuck, none of those tools will work. Big hammer is much simpler and the most effective according to my experience.

william_b_noble

the reason to not pound on it a lot with a hammer is the potential to fracture other parts, but if you have the spindle off anyway and you support it properly, that risk is minimized.