help Cannot Pull Steering Damper

[Sunbeam2]

I bought a new Rancho Steering Damper and New Shocks from Quadratec.
I cannot get the steering damper rod off the center link, the rod is a conical shape that must be pulled out with a two jaw puller. I bought a 5 ton puller from sears and it snapped a jaw, I returned it and got a 7 ton puller and have so much pressure on it I am afraid to add anymore.
The darn thing just will not pop off the center link.
Any tricks of the trade out there, I have it up on jackstands and want to use the car tomorrow

[mx52nv]

did you try knocking on the bolt from the front side with a hammer?

[Sunbeam2]

Hitting it was the first thing I tried, then I went a got a pickle fork and that did not work, so I bought the 5 ton puller from Sears and broke it, now I have the 7 ton hanging on there and I have a pipe to put over the handle of my wrench for more leverage to force it more or break it too.

what about heat?????

[JDPascal]

There is a tool called a "pickle fork" that wedges in between the two parts to separate it. I only use it if I don't want to save the rod end.

The other way is to use two hammers. One on top side of the mounting hole for backing so the rod doesn't flex and strike the rod on the other side of the conical hole to "expand" it slightly. If you can get enough swing behind the blow, it will usually release the tapered stud.

JD

[JDPascal]

guess you already know bout the 'fork.... Did you use two hammers when you "hit it"??

JD

[Sunbeam2]

I have the puller on the rod now, I will try the hammer thing and get right back

[Sunbeam2]

two hammers did not work, I can not get a good swing laying on my back. I put the puller back on and have so much pressure on it now I am afraid the wrench might break.

Any other suggestions???? Please............

[JDPascal]

try a "tap" on the end of the puller forcing screw if you can get a swing at it.

JD

[Sunbeam2]

I got it out
With a load still on the puller I used a butane torch and after about a minute it just popped out.

Thanks for all the help

[JDPascal]

good goin'..

heat would have been my next try too. I just hesitate to use heat on a steering component even though it is below the temp that will affect the metal.

JD

[mx52nv]

wow, I have never had that much trouble with mine. makes you wonder what they used to put it in there with.

[JDPascal]

just one of those days!!!!

JD

[dksob81]

Yea, I used a little Propane torch to heat the Drag Link up for a minute or 2 then a good hit on the drag link next to where the steering damper gets bolted onto. maybe even have to hit the bolt itself - make sure to put the nut on loosely so u don't mushroom the end of the bolt and cause more problems.

[glass]

I had a similar problem with mine as well, using a cheap puller and soaking it overnight with penetrating oil popped it loose