Blues77

Looked at some past posts, and read a pickle fork could be used to knock out the tie rod end. Has anyone done this with the tie rod still attached to car? Seems like it would bend the dampner or put some major stress on it.

Also the rod that connects to the idler arm, has a slight bend before it attaches to idler. Normal?

Jeff78

To seperate the tie rod end from the spindle remove the nut and use a 3 pound mall and hit the spindle where the tie rod slips into it.:smash: It is a taper fit and a few good whacks will loosen the fit and it will fall right out. Do not hit the tie rod threads though.

Blues77

Jeff, I gave it a few good wacks with the sledge but still no budge. I know I could eventually knock it out, but that dampner rod, looks like it could and will bend? I assume your dampner was still attached?

Tom454

Pickle forks are okay as long as 1) the mount eye is not attached to anything with a bearing (such as the steering gear/pitman arm) because you can ruin the bearing etc, and 2) as long as you are not going to re-use the grease boot (the fork usually rips the boot).

I normally use a small pitman arm puller to remove tie rods... no muss. no fuss.

Last night, I removed the two outer tie rod ends from a Mustang GT with a small hammer just as described above (I'm replacing the rack & pinion) ... they weren't overly tight so they popped right out. Sometimes thay are really tight due to overtightening by a mechanic. In that case, the hammer and/or pickle fork will not work... a puller must be used.

stpman

:iagree: I find in most cases the puller to be easier

Steve :steering:

vettfixr

I had to have a shoulder reconstructed because I thought the pickle fork was the way to go. I now have a set of pullers. Trust me, their much cheaper than surgery and less painfull. :yesnod:

catfishgeez

a few years ago, I replaced the tie rod ends on my 68 using the the method that JEFF78 mentioned.

RJR99SS

i just loosen the nut on the tie rod, but dont take it off.

While the nut is still on by 2 or 3 threads, hits it with a hammer until the taper breaks.

This way you wont damage the threads.

Smokehouse69

It helps alot to hold the side of the maul behind the eye and slam the other side with another hammer. It will distort the eye enough to slip off the taper, two or three whacks is usually all it takes.

69vette66

I use a pry bar and a hammer. Pry up or down(the other side of the nut) then whack the spindle with a hammer. Works everytime. Most of the time I have to reuse the parts and Not Damage the boots.

:cheers: Larry

LIJohn

Thanks Guys, Could not free the tie rod end on my '84 till I read the tip on using a puller. Two minutes later, it was free! Thanks!
John

Jack Wood

This tool from Summit Racing is the bomb: OTC-6297. I'd whacked and banged to the point of tears then a kind soul on this forum recommended it. It cost $49 but is worth it's weight in gold. Used it this morning.