Tool for tie rod removal

[bmwpower]

What do you guys use to remove the tie rods WITHOUT tearing the boot?

And no, I'm not looking for a BFH. I'm already aware of that method.

Looking for the proper tool for the job.

[Dirtbleed]

I bought this for $46

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...38mm%20opening

[zedfez]

I haven't tried it, but I know a lot of guys swear by an air chisel. They set the point in the indent in the top of the stud and the vibrations pop it right out.

[jlevie]

I use a BMW special tool to separate ball joints. It is a bit pricey at around $200, but it works an any BMW ball joint.

[M-technik-3]

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=266H&CTMP=1&LowCt=0

not a bad price and a decent tool, better than H freight.

[bmws50b30]

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.as...CTMP=1&LowCt=0

not a bad price and a decent tool, better than H freight.

will that work on the CA ball joint too?

the tie rod is easy to remove. The CA is the one that is a pain in the a$$.

[M-technik-3]

Have not tried it for that, I use the turn strut and BFH for that on the small flat and it pops right out for me using some pb blaster.

[dude8383]

i've always been curious about how you guys use that...i've seen several versions but none fit. if one of you guys could post a pic of the tool being used that would be awesome! it would make life much easier to replace the tie-rod ends.

[Teaguer]

The correct tool for the tie-rods is shown in post #2.
Its perfect for tie-rods but way too small for the control arm ball-joint.

I paid around $50 for one from BMP years ago ....worked like a charm until some tools were stolen from my shop.
For the last 4-5 years I just use a pry bar and a BFH, not so big ...things are dry here in TX, and have always used the same method for the control arms.

[Fidhle007]

A pickle fork on an air chisel is the fastest but most likely will tear the boots. A prybar putting tension on the CA/Tie Rod and an air hammer on the side of the joint (on the strut part) is the best way if saving the joints is the priority, I find.

[87e30]

I just use a hammer on the side of the joint, on the strut housing. As fidhle mentioned it works well!

[Aptyp]

from http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=ball+joint
one of my most favorite tools in the toolbox. Works on tie-rods and control arms.

[bmwpower]

I ended up getting this OTC kit upon some other people's recommendations. A little over $100. Comes with a bunch of other stuff I'm sure I will find uses for. :)

[n2bimmer]

Plumbers torch and a hammer.

[SoopaGhetto]

from http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ord=ball+joint
one of my most favorite tools in the toolbox. Works on tie-rods and control arms.

this is the exact tool that i purchased to separate the ball joint from the strut. how the hell did you get it to work???????? i was down to 1/4" on the threaded bolt...and nothing happend...