Tie-rod ends

[wayconvict]

I have a loose tie rod on the drivers side of my car.

In the Haynes manual it says you need a puller to remove it from the steering knuckle. Can you just smack it out with hammer or is that not (at all) recommended?

[darkdan]

I wouldn't use a hammer.

I used a ball joint fork and it worked really well. The 3 finger puller they recommend seems like a lot of extra work.

[mattswabb]

The easiest way to get out tie rods is to hit the steering knuckle on the side where the tie rod goes into. Remove the nut and a few good hits and they will pop right. This also works for ball joints. I've removed many this way and have never needed a puller or a fork.

matt

[FB71]

what matt said. fastest, easiest way without damaging anything. the first thing they teach in auto repair is to take that pickle fork, and put it in a jar of pickles. its a butcher's tool.

[bassman]

I have a whole set of forks that you put on the end of a air chisle.
they work good but i still just loosen the nut off to protect the threads and whack it with a 5 pound sledge.
not super hard but a good firm whack.

[wayconvict]

Thanks guys,

I just have the stud a couple of taps with a hammer, I replace both of the brand new, so I wasn't worried about damaging the stud, just didn't want to damage the tie rod.

Now may next job is the clutch, woo hoo. Gonna pull the engine and replace some seals, check my mounts and replace the fuel lines. while I'm at it,

Dale