VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Tie rod end tool

I'm curious what guys use to remove a tie rod end without damaging the boot or washers under the boot? A pickle fork does the job but is hard on things when you want to reinstall things. I have also used a dead blow hammer with another hammer on the back side to break this loose. I've heard of a tool similar to a pitman arm puller for the job.
Thanks Don

I used a Gray P190 Puller and it worked well.

Neil (Canada)

I have used a suitable sized gear puller and occassionally assisted that with a 2lb hammer on the end of the push bolt.
Tony

I haven't pulled one lately but it seems that I have merely backed up the support where it is attached by backing it up with a jack or real heavy hammer. This would be, of course, after taking out the cotter key and taking off the castle nut. Turn the nut upside down and tighten it just enough that the threads are flush at the top. Then take a lighter hammer and tap it with increasing force until it pops out. It is tapered in so it should come out without too much force. They usually do.

I don't think this is a better solution than a puller but will do the trick if you have enough room to work.

I don't like the fork method too much but don't know why. I guess because it may damage the dust cover of the tie rod end. But you are going to replace that anyway. Right. Go figure.

Good luck with it.
Charlie

BTW: The preferred method for garages nowadays on later model cars, when the customer is not within sight or within earshot, of course, is to take a big hammer and smack the side of the support at the tie rod. A couple hard knocks and they pop right out. Anybody ever seen that done or have done it?

Thanks Charlie, Yup seen that hammer trick. Some of the later GM trucks that need ball joints was a good example of that method. And it does work. When I was working on the '40 earlier this spring I needed to remove the tie rods to work on the steering sector and put new bushings in the pitman arm. I ended up using a pickle fork and then replaced the dust covers. I know I've heard of guys using a puller similar to a pitman arm puller. Just have never seen one for sale. Might be something to have in the toolbox. I know that if a guy has to pull the oil pan tie rod removal is necessary. Thanks Don

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tie+rod+puller
not very expensive and works much better than a blunt instrument of force (although smacking parts with big hammers is kind of fun)

I have had very good results hitting the side of the tapered knuckle where the tie rod end fits in. It works best if you can hold a larger hammer or weight against the back side.

Just loosen the nut a few turns. When you hit the side of the knuckle (Hard!) you are actually compressing the internal taper in the knuckle. This pushes the external taper on the tie rod end out. That is why you only loosen the nut a few turns. Things will come apart very quickly if the nut is removed.

In really difficult situations I have used a puller like the one Videranger mentioned and the hammer. Put some load on the joint with the puller. Then hit an exposed side of the knuckle with a hammer.

I've always used my fork. Buy one, it will last 100 years.

If you're installing new tie rod ends the dust cover is being replaced as stated above... and they are so often rotten anyways...LOL

You guys have me totally cornfused. The tie-rod ends on my '38 screw on. Are you all by some chance referring to the pitman arm???? <CLICK>

Tiny,
They are referring to the stud end of the tie-rod end. It is tapered and fits into a tapered hole, held in place by a castle nut and cotter key.