Tie Rod End Removal
 

I need to change out a tie rod end on a '40 Ford and am stymied by how tightly the little bugger is attached to the steering arm on the spindle. I have given the threaded end some good blows with a 2 lb hammer with no movement. Any suggestions or secrets to the process? Thanks!

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Check this out.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...-ends-how.html

Some folks wack the side of the steering arm surrounding the taper on the tie rod and the tie rod literally falls down.

You might also want to try a pickle fork.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Harbor Freight had a kit that included a number of handy tapered joint separating tools.
I used the ball joint separator for shock links and tie rod ends. The tie rod and Pittman arm puller can be ground a bit and used as a rear brake drum puller. WAY cheaper than the special made KR Wilson style rear hub puller. Pulled my hubs no problem, snugged it up and a few taps with a hammer, off they popped!

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Use two fairly substantial hammers and strike both sides of the eye simultaneously, leave the tie rod end nut on, but loose, it will shock the tapered stud loose. Tie rod end, shock link, pitman arm, ball joints, works every time.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

A pickle fork is the easiest way. I think they cost about $8 at Harbor Freight.

If it's REALLY tight, drive the fork in and hit the nut. If it doesn't come that way, heat will be the only answer.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

I end up using heat on ones that are really stuck. You can start by hitting the side of the part holding the tie rod end or using a pickle fork. I have a collection of various sizes on forks. Some tapered fittings are fairly easy to remove, some take some work. It also depends on if you want to remove the end without any damage or if you just want to get it out!

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

There are pullers available for that specific purpose and they do not involve large hammers, blow torches, or distorting 'pickle' forks.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

X2 what David said. Take advantage of the tool loaner programs at: O'Reilly's, Autozone, Advance Auto, etc if nearby.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

OTC makes a pickle fork bit for your air hammer.
Bruce

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Forget pickle forks. Sometimes you want to remove the joint and use it again without having the seals all buggered up.

Get one with a screw that pushes the joint out. There was a previous thread on this forum with pictures of suitable separators.

Something like these is what you want. I use one like the one on the left.

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1S19rd...pg_640x640.jpg

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

I made one long ago before HF.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Exactly!

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Well, I borrowed the tool from Autozone and -voila! -the tie rod ends just popped out like butter, especially after loading up the tension and giving the casting a firm whack with a 2 lb hammer. Thanks all for the suggestions!

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

x3 what David said. Pickle forks are good at removing tie rod ends. Simultaneously, they ruin the end.
Proper pullers are reasonably priced and do no harm.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

Amazing how the "right" tools make a nasty job go much better. Tools like Mart shows above also available from Amazon....good to have in the tool inventory!:)

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

The one on the left that Mart uses is available at NAPA.

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

here's what I use

Re: Tie Rod End Removal
 

The local parts stores here do rent some of these pullers NAPA-carquest-autozone-O'reilly ect, also someone in your area V8 club probably has two of the needed tools on a shelf, collecting dust.

Grainger always has what I need if I can not source it from a fellow carguy.