Which Tie Rod Puller?

[rThor432]

I just use penetrating oil and a hammer. Replaced a bent tie rod the other day no problem. The hammer wasnt really necessary, but I dont care.

What day at the shop would be complete without the hammer making at least one appearance?

[Rocla]

word. you have to whack the strut housing a couple of times before hitting the tie rod.

Instead, not before.

[Jscotty]

The only thing that I don't like about hammering it out is that I can't get enough of a backswing to really hit that thing like I want to. Turning the wheel all the way to one side helps but it does not really give me enough comfortable clearence without the fear of hitting the body.

[Rocla]

but it does not really give me enough comfortable clearence without the fear of hitting the body.

or your hitting the wrong place.

[StereoInstaller1]

Another thing is the style of whacking. You are better off hitting with a "pop" rather than a "thunk"...so not follow through, see?

It is also easier if you start off with a pry bar (and someone else prying) between the ball joint and the subframe/control arm to apply some tension on it before you hit it. If you do this, PUT THE NUT BACK ON a few threads, otherwise, that sucker is gonna fly.

Luke

[Mossman]

Pry bar applying pressure + sharp hammer blows work great as luke said.

I just bought this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=250134853213

works perfect on tie rods and outer ball joints are a bit of a squeeze but it works.

[Bene]

I'll be doing this soon, so just to be clear:

I'm going to be hitting whatever the tie-rod is connected to outward, or perpendicular to the direction the car is facing if the wheels are straight?

[TurboJake]

Holy necrothread batman.
When you see it, You'll understand. All you need to do is go down with the tie rod. regardless of wheel direction. I prefer pickle forks. As I'd just rather replace the tie rod if I'm taking it off, and it's stuck on there.

[ldsbeaker]

I've used pickle forks for years, even got a pickle fork attachment for my air hammer.

But the ONE TIME I didn't want to jack something up, I bought the tool pictured in previous posts. It WORKS. It's WORTH the $$.
Cuts the time, not the boot.

[TurboJake]

I can both respect the tool, and the owner, for increased laziness and ease.
Might have to get one eventually

[bataangpinoy]

ive not had a problem with the hammer method.

[bme30]

[SeasSoShining]

That tool looks ideal.


I've had the best luck whacking the strut housing just forward of where the tie rod inserts. Spray the area area with a rust-busting solvent first and don't mash the threads... Use a brass mallet.

[87e30]

I use the hammer method. I've gone at it for a while before, but it always comes through in the end. Suppose it's not a bit deal b/c I'm only down there a couple times a year.

[Simon S]

anti-sieze things upon installation.

(make it easier for yourself or future owner down the road)