TieRod Removel
#2
Le Mans Master
Remove the nut, put a big hammer on one side of the arm and smack the other side with a bigger hammer. Or use a pickle fork after removing the nut.
#3
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2017
Location: Cool Northern Michigan
Posts: 6,902
Received 2,127 Likes
on
1,634 Posts
Take some measurements and record those numbers before doing anything. Measure from outer tie rod zerk fitting to the other outer zerk. Count the number of turns to remove the tie rods. How far apart are the inner zerk fittings? etc-etc-etc.
#4
Burning Brakes
My experience is that you should take the measurement directly between the two posts, not to the zerks, and don't depend on counting threads either. Any replacement tie rod ends could vary in zerk position and thread length depending on manufacturer.
Last edited by revitup; 09-12-2017 at 12:21 PM.
#5
Drifting
Previous suggestions about measuring are important. Also- there are various ways to loosen the tie rod end that require whacking with a hammer- either with or without the "pickle fork". Spend a couple bucks and get the right tool for the job. The tie rod end tools that use a threaded bolt to force the end loose also work on ball joints and other suspension parts and do not damage the rubber dust boots. You can also "rent" from Autozone. They refund your purchase price if you do not keep it and return the tool to the store.
#7
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2017
Location: Cool Northern Michigan
Posts: 6,902
Received 2,127 Likes
on
1,634 Posts
Thats what I was getting at. Tape measure will get you a "rough-in" so you can get the car to an alignment shop. Without some crude measurements, you will be lost trying to get everything back together and staying on the road.
#8
Instructor
I recently learned a new way. No fork, no ruining dust covers, etc. This is not the video I found a few weeks ago but he uses the same method...and it works. I used a 24 oz. framing hammer and my stubborn one took 4 blows. The others came off on the 2nd hit. Just loosen the nut so it doesn't fall off completely.
I just used this method to change all 4 ball joints on my 1980.
I just found the video I was talking about. Skip to 4:30 for tie rod banging.
I just used this method to change all 4 ball joints on my 1980.
I just found the video I was talking about. Skip to 4:30 for tie rod banging.
Last edited by 2airtime2; 09-12-2017 at 08:40 PM.
#9
Advanced
Never could get the hammer trick to work, bent several forks finally bought a front end set from harbour freight and have done 6 tie rods and 5 ball joints no problem. always a 20% off coupon on line for them.
#10
Race Director
I recently learned a new way. No fork, no ruining dust covers, etc. This is not the video I found a few weeks ago but he uses the same method...and it works. I used a 24 oz. framing hammer and my stubborn one took 4 blows. The others came off on the 2nd hit. Just loosen the nut so it doesn't fall off completely.
I just used this method to change all 4 ball joints on my 1980.
I just found the video I was talking about. Skip to 4:30 for tie rod banging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riGAf6P0kYo
I just used this method to change all 4 ball joints on my 1980.
I just found the video I was talking about. Skip to 4:30 for tie rod banging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riGAf6P0kYo
#11
Its really easy....but the right tool. For alignment use a string method. Most, if not all alignment shops want to make 80-150 bucks to bring your alignment back to NOMINAL values...which are most of the time completely screwed...but wait it gets better, after its done and your car drives like its takin a left turn they will tell you its bearings or caster/camber, or balljoints or bushings, and pretty much any job they can do for a quick buck, but not limited to suspension, could be control valve or piston....then after spending 5 to 6 hundred bucks they will do the alignment properly, when all along you could have done it with a string and a couple long straight 2x4's.