Tie rod and Control arm help

[graphik]

Hi guys, I haven't been on these forums in quite some time; but now I am back in an e30. I am currently in the process of replacing quite a few parts, including bilsteins/h&r, SS brake lines, new rotors/pads, timing belt/water pump, bushings, and new tie rods and CAs. Pretty much everything has gone fairly smoothly so far, I was even able to get the center brake lines replaced without dropping the subframe thanks to a write up on this site. Anyway, I am currently trying to get the tie rods and CAs off but I cannot for the life of me get the damn locking plates pulled backwards on the tie rods, is there anything I can do about this, any tips? Is it possible to remove the tie rods without pulling back on the locking plates, I would assume not? Also, with the CAs, I am under the impression that it takes a 22mm wrench to get them unbolted, this looks like it will be annoying to get out, any tips on that as well? Thanks for any help guys!

Alex

[RobertK]

For the locking tabs the best thing to do is use a chisel and a hammer to tap the bent tabs back.

The best wat to remove the CAs is to use a small jack to apply pressure on the ball joint to keep it from moving and the nuts just require a open ended 22mm wrench and a lot patience.

[brodee]

I bought a 22mm wrench and cut it really short. Used a long one to break them loose and then the short one to get more distance on each turn.

[redhatpat]

I bought a 22mm wrench and cut it really short. Used a long one to break them loose and then the short one to get more distance on each turn.

I did the same, but found I didn't even need to use a shorty wrench. After removing the heat shield on the passenger side from around the CAB a regular wrench fit just fine.