[brockb455]

I've soaked them with penetrating fluid, banged on the ends with a 32 oz drop hammer, called them insulting names... they won't budge. I couldn't get the center link ends off either. Is there a trick I don't know about?

Yes, they are pretty rusty and have never been off the car. The outer tie rod ends came off OK. What should I do?

[guccieng]

have you tried a proper puller? since the tie rods are probably as old and need replacing, i'd call them a loss, too.

[Bob Timmermans]

try heating them with a torch.

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by guccieng

have you tried a proper puller? since the tie rods are probably as old and need replacing, i'd call them a loss, too.

I hadn't thought of that. Let me give it a try.

[guccieng]

you can get those 'front suspension' sets on loan from kragen or autozone. they charge you the $80 or so, then refund it when you turn it back in.

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by guccieng

you can get those 'front suspension' sets on loan from kragen or autozone. they charge you the $80 or so, then refund it when you turn it back in.

So far I am having good luck with a pickle fork tie rod/ball joint separator. The pitman arm puller wouldn't slip between the joint. I am down to one really stubborn joint. Would heating the outside of the jount help it loosen?

[Sirrotica]

If you hit the outer portion (center link or spindle) the taper fits into with a 3 Lb sledge it will more times that not split, the shock lets the taper dislodge. This is the way most wrecking yard dismantlers split them and it works fine if you don't have a mechanical means to split them. Also it doesn't tear the rubber boot as a picklefork does if you plan on reusing them. If that doesn't work heating that area and shocking it is almost guaranteed to split them.

[Paul E]

+1 Sirroctica

I do many and have not used a pickle fork or torch for years

Paul

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

If you hit the outer portion (center link or spindle) the taper fits into with a 3 Lb sledge it will more times that not split, the shock lets the taper dislodge. This is the way most wrecking yard dismantlers split them and it works fine if you don't have a mechanical means to split them. Also it doesn't tear the rubber boot as a picklefork does if you plan on reusing them. If that doesn't work heating that area and shocking it is almost guaranteed to split them.

When in doubt... get a bigger hammer. The three lb hammer combined with a torch and then a big wack on the pickle fork... eureka! She is free. Thanks.

[Sirrotica]

35 years of turning wrenches for a living you find easy ways to accomplish hard jobs, glad you got it.