If I whack it, will it break?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
If I whack it, will it break?
Getting ready to repair some/all of the front end components, starting with the power steering cylinder and control valve. I see what appear to be tie rod ends(?) that must be removed to complete the project.
If I whack the joint with a pickle-fork, won't that damage the rubber boots? Must the boots be replaced with new when re-installing or do you have to replace the entire joint?
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
If I whack the joint with a pickle-fork, won't that damage the rubber boots? Must the boots be replaced with new when re-installing or do you have to replace the entire joint?
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
i used a tie rod end lifter to take my stuff apart and it did no damage.
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Last edited by bobs77vet; Feb 26, 2005 at 09:31 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
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From: Allen TX
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
If you use the pickle fork, you will likely damage the boot on the tie rod. Sometimes, it is all that will work. I used the same from Harbor Freight (about $10) and it worked well. You will have to use persuasion (read brute force) to get your front end apart. A large hammer and other blunt heavy objects make the job easier and allows you to take out some frustration. Good luck
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by 74FLCONV
So I probably should replace all the joints that I remove? Will they be too damaged to re-use?
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
i would replace them....the labor and effort almost warrants it just by itself....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by 74FLCONV
So I probably should replace all the joints that I remove? Will they be too damaged to re-use?
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
SEMPER FI--1970 Dave
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
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From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
If you use the splitter you'll be able to re-use the tie rod ends. If the old rod ends are worn then you'll see improved steering response with new parts..
The rod ends are included in the front end rebuild kit, isn't that what you bought for your front suspension ?? The tie rod ends are $22.99 each and the entire kit (rubber bushings) is $129..... it really doesn't make sense to buy the rod ends separate....
Here are some photos of my old tie rod ends that I replaced... rust is the enemy....note the huge pliers that were needed to get the tie rod end off the rod...
The rod ends are included in the front end rebuild kit, isn't that what you bought for your front suspension ?? The tie rod ends are $22.99 each and the entire kit (rubber bushings) is $129..... it really doesn't make sense to buy the rod ends separate....
Here are some photos of my old tie rod ends that I replaced... rust is the enemy....note the huge pliers that were needed to get the tie rod end off the rod...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 0
From: Manalapan FL
Originally Posted by RedBad1979
The rod ends are included in the front end rebuild kit, isn't that what you bought for your front suspension ??
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 74FLCONV
I haven't purchased anything yet. I was going to start with R/R of the power steering cylinder and the control valve. Front end rebuild will be later. Perhaps I should do everything at once...
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Yes, just do it once and be done with it..... even if you only do the PS now, you can still buy the entire front end kit and only use the tie rod ends for now... put the remaining parts in a box and install them later .... just don't buy all the parts seperately, that's a huge waste of $$$
