best tool for tie rod end separation?

[silver hatch]

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.




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[MugsyTheGr8]

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]

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.

[clizoman]

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.

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

[RHCP0801]

hammer works fine just dont hit the actually tie rod lol which im sure you knew

[jimmyjames]

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

or $7
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1752

[silver hatch]

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]

tie rod isnt under a lot of pressure, a hammer works great...just use that

[silver hatch]

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]

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]

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]

no problem

[v1c10us]

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]

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]

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.