PDA

View Full Version : best tool for tie rod end separation?



silver hatch
05-21-2008, 07:42 PM
Are we supposed to use this tie rod end separator for our cars, or can I just use one like in the second pic? If I can use the second one, what size opening should I use? Thank you.

http://www.selfcreation.org/trial/DIY_Suspension_Springs_Dampers3.jpg


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


http://www.lislecorp.com/images/suspension/185200.GIF

MugsyTheGr8
05-21-2008, 07:48 PM
in lab we just use two hammers placed on each side of the steering arm and after a few strikes the tierod end pops out.

jimmyjames
05-21-2008, 08:00 PM
in lab we just use two hammers placed on each side of the steering arm and after a few strikes the tierod end pops out.This usually works best actually.
DO NOT use the fork tool as shown in the second pic.
If youdon't feel like hammering, use a pitman arm puller.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/images/replacing_balljoints_images/Step007.JPG
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/07/steeringbox/images/pitman1.jpg

clizoman
05-21-2008, 08:03 PM
This usually works best actually.
DO NOT use the fork tool as shown in the second pic.
If youdon't feel like hammering, use a pitman arm puller.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/images/replacing_balljoints_images/Step007.JPG
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/07/steeringbox/images/pitman1.jpg

yeah those tie rod end pullers only cost like $15 at your local autostore they work great.

RHCP0801
05-21-2008, 08:05 PM
hammer works fine just dont hit the actually tie rod lol which im sure you knew

jimmyjames
05-21-2008, 08:27 PM
yeah those tie rod end pullers only cost like $15 at your local autostore they work great.or $7
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1752

silver hatch
05-21-2008, 08:35 PM
hammer works fine just dont hit the actually tie rod lol which im sure you knew

Yeah, I at least know that much at least lol. It's just that I'm a suspension virgin and I think I'm going to attempt to do my spring install. What I dont understand with the hammer is, how does the rod just pop out if it's under a lot of pressure?

I think maybe I might just use a puller and make one myself at my work. I might as well since I just finished making a set of spring compressors just for safety. One more question, Do all pullers have the same dimensions?. Thanks.

RHCP0801
05-21-2008, 08:39 PM
tie rod isnt under a lot of pressure, a hammer works great...just use that

silver hatch
05-21-2008, 08:42 PM
tie rod isnt under a lot of pressure, a hammer works great...just use that

If that's easier, that would save me some time then.

RHCP0801
05-21-2008, 08:45 PM
took me a good 5 bangs to get it to release, sometimes it doesnt just pop out once its loose so after a few hits pull up on it to see if its loose

silver hatch
05-21-2008, 08:47 PM
took me a good 5 bangs to get it to release, sometimes it doesnt just pop out once its loose so after a few hits pull up on it to see if its loose

Ok, cool. I feel more prepared now that I got that useful info. Thanks.

RHCP0801
05-21-2008, 08:49 PM
no problem

v1c10us
05-21-2008, 09:56 PM
nvm, tie rod ends arent what I thought.
What are those things on the end of the sway bar with like 2 balls connected by a piece of metal?

edit: endlinks.. i got endlinks and tie rod ends confused and I was wondering why the hell you had to undo the endlinks.

silver hatch
05-21-2008, 10:29 PM
Ok, last question...Is it really necessary to cut the bumpstops in half? If you don't, would it actually limit the suspension travel or something?

ep_hatcher_510
05-22-2008, 02:42 AM
Ok, last question...Is it really necessary to cut the bumpstops in half? If you don't, would it actually limit the suspension travel or something?

yes, what does the instructions that came with the spring say about it?

and don't use a fork, i wont even suggest using a hammer for the tie rod ends, some auto parts store can rent you that puller free of charge (put down a deposit and get 100% of it back when you return the thing) if you dont want to buy it.

jimmyjames
05-22-2008, 05:03 AM
Ok, last question...Is it really necessary to cut the bumpstops in half? If you don't, would it actually limit the suspension travel or something?Never cut bumpstops; they're the size they are for a reason.

talonXracer
05-22-2008, 07:42 AM
Some suspension kit's use the stock bumpstops, but cut down to match the working range of the new suspension. This is easy to do, just follow any directions included with the suspension.

You can use one of the pickle forks if after trying all the other pullers nothing worked. Up here in the northeast the picklefork tends to be the only tool that works, but it damages the rubber boot, so have spares on-hand.

Drew1d
05-22-2008, 09:28 AM
This usually works best actually.
DO NOT use the fork tool as shown in the second pic.
If youdon't feel like hammering, use a pitman arm puller.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/images/replacing_balljoints_images/Step007.JPG
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2002/07/steeringbox/images/pitman1.jpg

Put a penny between the puller and Tie Rod End. :mredface:

NyQuil
05-22-2008, 10:11 AM
I dunno if it's just on the EP3 but that thing is a painnnnnnnnnn to take out. I couldn't do it.. had to get my cousin to do it and it even took him a while. Might be just my car though. That sucker wouldn't come off.:mcry:

ProfessorM
05-22-2008, 11:35 AM
i just replaced my tie rod ends on monday and i had to use a fork to get the old ones off and it mangled them. little sh*ts are a pain to remove.

talonXracer
05-22-2008, 11:38 AM
Put a penny between the puller and Tie Rod End. :mredface:

Good tip!

silver hatch
05-22-2008, 08:36 PM
Put a penny between the puller and Tie Rod End. :mredface:

Couldn't that make the puller slip off easier? I thought the sharp point was meant to stick into the end so that it has no chance of slipping out.

silver hatch
05-22-2008, 08:42 PM
I had some time at work today, so I just made my own adjustable puller in case 1-5/8" isn't the exact opening I need. So now I have my own spring compressor and tie rod end puller, so I should be all set.

I'm going to make a new thread about the bumpstops because I want to get a majority opinion since not a lot of people will see it in here.

dcmpbl
05-26-2008, 09:03 PM
1) Grind the point off...if you use just that, you will most likely collapse the cotterpin hole. 2) Use penny to "cap" off a nut that is threaded onto the tie rod end to protect them...if you do not protect the end threads you will most likely smash them a bit and not be able to rethread the castle nut.

EricP3
05-27-2008, 05:38 AM
1) Grind the point off...if you use just that, you will most likely collapse the cotterpin hole. 2) Use penny to "cap" off a nut that is threaded onto the tie rod end to protect them...if you do not protect the end threads you will most likely smash them a bit and not be able to rethread the castle nut.

Yes, be carefull with the arm puller tool. When I did my suspension that tool actualy smashed the bolt that the pointy part sits on and I had to go buy a new part from Honda.

talonXracer
05-27-2008, 06:00 AM
ALWAYS grind that damn point off, a Pitman arm has a divot in the center for that point to rest in.

I use a standard dual arm puller. Get some pressure on the stud and hammer the end/side if the LCA/tierod end and the ball joints pop right loose.

mustclime
05-27-2008, 12:20 PM
Pitmen arm tools are for pitmen arms, you guys are doing it wrong........get one of these....

http://www.nextag.com/norob/PtitleSeller.jsp?chnl=main&tag=646453044&ctx=60VexgsPQ992TL6Cbtzv6raHRewhnf4Hhr3VIlkvFmuda6 xAPuQEM5K%2F4jk5UYsihraSxVdLDFUe%0AR2ieNXPpu9QWiRT xpTecz7g7TCZ1vz4E%2FhIVNIO%2BYSa5HiNE%2Fir7&ptitle=511845493

Best tool out there for ball joints, end of story. It does not rip boots, if used the right way, It will pop any ball joint including the lower ones.....All you do is slip the tool on, put a couple of turns on the tool, and smack it with a hammer...."pop", the joint is open.


There are a lot of cheap versons of this tool, they will brake, get the OTC tool. works great.