Tie Rod End Refusing to Come Off

Hi,

I'm trying to get both tie rods off my '85 to get past inspection. I see there are 3 methods to do it. Banging with 2 hammers to get the stud to drop out, using a pickle fork and a hammer, or using a puller tool.

I've already tried the hammer method. Banged away from all angles, had one hammer behind, one in front, etc, etc. They are just reguler hammers, not sledges.

I got a loaner puller tool from Autozone. Haven't tried it yet. The end of the screw on the puller, that is supposed to push down on the stud, has a point on it. How is this point supposed to stay on the flat tip of the stud without slipping off? I guess I could turn the castle nut, on the stud, up onto the top of the stud, with still a few screwthreads engaged, to form a sort of cup to put the pointed end of the puller in. Sound good?


The pickle fork would be my last resort.


Thanks for any input!


Rage

The pickle fork would be my last resort.

Should have been your first!

Should have been your first!


The puller would be easier on the suspension parts, though, I think, than the pickle fork. No banging needed.

I hate pickle forks!!! Either they tear the darn boot or they don't work for me. I've always used a pitarm puller for ball joints or tie rods (when possible) or a tie rod end puller which is the same thing as a pitarm puller just smaller. Always had luck with those.

fu*k the pickle fork, they are a pain in the butt. i just did my tie rods inner and outer, and the puller tool works the best. just gotta center it on the stud as best you can... and it'll pop right out

fu*k the pickle fork, they are a pain in the butt. i just did my tie rods inner and outer, and the puller tool works the best. just gotta center it on the stud as best you can... and it'll pop right out


Update : I used the "pitman arm / tie rod puller" tool from Autozone. At first it just slipped off the stud, but then I put the castle nut on the stud tip and left some lip so the tip of the the puller had something to stop it from slipping off the stud. I got the puller on snug, then got it tight , and turned it a few swatches with a wrench, and when I was attending to something else, I heard a snap, and the stud had broken free. :)

Then I thought I was home free.... But the sleeve turned out to be a b**ch. The tie rod won't come out of the adjusting sleeve. Used Liquid Wrench, used propane heat. Still stuck on. Can't get any tools on the rod and the sleeve, with any seriousness. I'm going to borrow some pipe wrenches from my dad in a few days and have at it again.

Thanks for the help.

Rage