quicky - changing tie rod boots

M79 · 01-25-2008, 12:20 PM

I just pulled off the pitman arm from my steering box (needed to... fixed a leak)

While it's off, I figured I'd put some new tie rod/steering-arm bushings on, and the old ones are about shot anyways.

How the heck do you get the rod-ends off to change the bushings?

Not just one in particular, but everyone of the ends seem permanently attached in it's location.
Even the other end of the pitman arm is not coming off the steering arm.
Yet another special "puller" that I don't know about?

M79 · 01-25-2008, 12:32 PM

Bard?
HighCountry?

(crickets)

Mike Romain · 01-25-2008, 12:37 PM

Very carefully....

Seriously, you don't want to damage the threads. and if the joint has any wear, it can be a real Pain to try and tighten back up again.

To remove the pins, I back the castle nut off and put it back on upside down almost so the bolt is at the top of the nut, then I hit it with a hammer. This protects the threads and the castles of the bolt, you don't want to hit either.

If the bushing inside is worn, the pin will want to spin rather than allow the nut to next come off (or go back on later). I have to jam them with a pry bar or vise grips to do it (get them off) which will likely wreck the new boot going on if I was to jam it the same....

MuddyMules · 01-25-2008, 12:58 PM

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...FQUsPAodjm-jPQ ~The Kind Way~

or

http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p..._-Performance_ ~The Stress Reliever Way~

M79 · 01-25-2008, 01:21 PM

another one-time use tool.

New to me!

thanks guys.

cwajciec · 01-25-2008, 02:22 PM

Don't tap on the threads or the nut, it will damage them if you have to hit it hard enough. Tap on the actual steering arm or the end of the steering knuckle with a hammer and the end will pop right out of there. Works every time. You may have to hit is pretty hard, but it is safe.

Or, get the tie rod end fork

Mike Romain · 01-25-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwajciec

Don't tap on the threads or the nut, it will damage them if you have to hit it hard enough. Tap on the actual steering arm or the end of the steering knuckle with a hammer and the end will pop right out of there. Works every time. You may have to hit is pretty hard, but it is safe.

Or, get the tie rod end fork

I always worry about the plastic socket in the ball joint part when hitting on the arm instead of the pin. I figure I might split it.

I like that tool posted in the link that says it won't even hurt boots though.

MuddyMules · 01-25-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Romain

I like that tool posted in the link that says it won't even hurt boots though.

MIke,
That tool looked like it might be good not to tear up the tie rods or boots. I did not try it because my tie rods were shot. I just used the pickle fork and beat them out. Next time I might pick one of those up and try and salvage the old tie rods.
Ted