outer tie rod removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: League City TX
outer tie rod removal
Ok this is nutz. I removed the cotter pin and nut. I took my tie rod end pickle fork and hammered it in, like it says. I have completely shredded the rubber bushing doing this. the tie rod end is loose (meaning it rotates). How do I get this off?
I am installing steeroids, and the it says to seperate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Does this mean completely seperated? Is the bolt that I removed the cotter pin and bolt from a part of the tie rod end? It appears so from my chiltons book.
I just dont see how to get this off. Both sides are at the same point. No matter how many times I pound on them they dont come off. Can I just pound down on the nut sticking up (where I removed the cotter pin and bolt)?
I am installing steeroids, and the it says to seperate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckle. Does this mean completely seperated? Is the bolt that I removed the cotter pin and bolt from a part of the tie rod end? It appears so from my chiltons book.
I just dont see how to get this off. Both sides are at the same point. No matter how many times I pound on them they dont come off. Can I just pound down on the nut sticking up (where I removed the cotter pin and bolt)?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
This is a little confusing. If you removed the nut and used a pickle fork and you say it is loose it will just fall out the bottom of the steering arm.
Since you have already destroyed the boot why not just buy 2 new tie rod ends. The outer tie rods are left hand thread.
While I only use a pickle fork on joints that are not going to be reused I too like a puller and save the boots on anything that is being reused.
There a different size pickle forks too.
Since you have already destroyed the boot why not just buy 2 new tie rod ends. The outer tie rods are left hand thread.
While I only use a pickle fork on joints that are not going to be reused I too like a puller and save the boots on anything that is being reused.
There a different size pickle forks too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
What size hammer are you using? A carpenters hammer will not really do it. Do yourself a favor and pick up a tie rod puller. Harbor Freight has them for about $7. I used a pickle fork to break loose the steering knuckle from the ball joints on one side. Then used the puller, after getting one, on the other side. Day and night difference. One side took 20 minutes of beating and the other took less than 2 minutes.
Last edited by mandm1200; Aug 5, 2005 at 03:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: League City TX
Oh I'm not re-using these. I am installing steeroids, and will be replacing these. I am going to get a tie rod puller today on the way home. I thought all I was going to need was the pickle fork. Oh well its only $10 wasted. I doubt they will take it back considering the disformation from all the beating it took. 
All I did so far was take the cotter pin off, removed the bolt, and then in an attempt to knock it off wedge the pickle fork in there. Yes I am using a mini carpenter hammer, not even a full size one. I was cursing the hammer last night. I will pick up a more manly hammer along with the tie rod puller, just to be safe!
All I did so far was take the cotter pin off, removed the bolt, and then in an attempt to knock it off wedge the pickle fork in there. Yes I am using a mini carpenter hammer, not even a full size one. I was cursing the hammer last night. I will pick up a more manly hammer along with the tie rod puller, just to be safe!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
My favorite hammer for tie rods is what I call a "Lump Hammer". About a 4 lb. slege, with a 8 in. handle. I call it a lump hammer 'cuz if you drop it on your foot, you WILL have a lump..... 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
The pickle fork will work. The threads coming up are a tapered
pin. You need a few whacks with a 3-4 pound hammer and the
tie rod will pop right out. If not, try a little heat on the knuckle
around the pin. The tie-rod puller is nice, and sometimes a
2-jaw gear puller can be used to push the pin out.
I also use a "Lump Hammer". They might be described as a "drilling
hammer" at the store. Another thing you don't want to do is miss
with the hammer and "Lump" your finger up.
Oh yeah - and always use the hammer in your "good hand" for better aim.
pin. You need a few whacks with a 3-4 pound hammer and the
tie rod will pop right out. If not, try a little heat on the knuckle
around the pin. The tie-rod puller is nice, and sometimes a
2-jaw gear puller can be used to push the pin out.
I also use a "Lump Hammer". They might be described as a "drilling
hammer" at the store. Another thing you don't want to do is miss
with the hammer and "Lump" your finger up.
Oh yeah - and always use the hammer in your "good hand" for better aim.
Last edited by NHvette; Aug 5, 2005 at 03:49 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Here's what it looks like once it's out - isn't it ugly ?
and this is how you get the tie rod end off the steering rod:
and here's the new tie rod end installed:
hope this helps, btw, they sell a tie rod end puller for $10 and a adjustable "multi use" puller for $29 - both AZ - I'd get the adjustable one since you may be able to use it on other 'projects'
and this is how you get the tie rod end off the steering rod:
and here's the new tie rod end installed:
hope this helps, btw, they sell a tie rod end puller for $10 and a adjustable "multi use" puller for $29 - both AZ - I'd get the adjustable one since you may be able to use it on other 'projects'
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: League City TX
wahoo
ok a few minutes on each side with the tie rod remover and POP they're off.
Lets see remove two bolts attaching the steering column to the rag joint. Ok lets see whats a rag joint?
Lets see remove two bolts attaching the steering column to the rag joint. Ok lets see whats a rag joint?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: League City TX
Wahooooo
I FINALLY go the entire steering system out!!! What a feeling! Especially doing it with NO power or air tools!! Not to mention frozen 30 year old bolts!!!
Thanks yall!!!!
BEER FOR EVERYONE!!! (as long as they pay for their own!)
Thanks yall!!!!
BEER FOR EVERYONE!!! (as long as they pay for their own!)
