Tie Rod Ends

[12905]

If you want to remove tie rod ends without the possibility of damaging the seals (assuming you can swing a hammer reasonably accurately) or wrecking the threaded end of the rod end, it can be done with two hammers or a hammer and a heavy steel block. Hold the heavier hammer, or steel block one the least accessible side of the boss that the taper of the tie rod fits into, and then hit the other side as hard as you can with the hammer - best with a heavy hammer. The hammer blow momentarily distorts the bore thus loosening the rod end. Usually no more than three good hits are required to loosen even the most stubborn rod end. If the thing is rusty, soak with penetrating for some time first. An old-time mechanic taught me that trick when I was an apprentice more than 50 years ago, and I have never used a pickle fork since.

[samiam0821]

Don,

There is a tool made for the purpose of removing the tie-rod ends. Its commonly called a 'pickle-fork', and its use is obvious.

I was able to rent one from a local rental shop for $6.00. Camille

[Carla]

Don,

There is a tool made for the purpose of removing the tie-rod ends. Its commonly called a 'pickle-fork', and its use is obvious. Maybe someone here has one they will lend you, or, have a look on the ebay. I've seen some of them listed there from time to time......the best make is the old 'Plomb' or 'Proto' brand, but pretty much any good standard make will serve.

If  you haven't a pickle-fork, and have clearance to swing a hammer, put a little bottle-jack under the steering-arm to support it, loosen the nut on the tie-rod end by 1/8" or so, and swat the nut with a medium heavy lead or babbitt hammer to break loose the tapered shank of the tie-rod end. (if the nuts face down, have a reliable helper hold a heavy hammer against the steering-arm to back it up against your hammer strikes on the nut)

The ends just unscrew from the tie-rod, some are right hand threads, and some are left-hand. Those threads are your toe-in and steering box centralisation adjustments. (adjust so that the steering-box is at mid-point of its travel with the wheels straight ahead)

Mark the tie-rods and take a measurement before disassembly, to preserve your existing adjustments. Check the toe-in after you replace the tie-rod ends. (or take the car to an alignment shop....if you ask them to check only the toe-in and adjust as necessary, that should be quick and inexpensively done)

cheers

Carla

[Don St Peter]

I am overhauling the steering box in my P-9 and want to replace the four rod ends while the car is down. I can't figure out how to remove them and the service manual doesn't talk about it. Since I'm afraid to prey on the wrong thing to seperate the joint can someone tell me how to remove them.
Also, will toe-in, toe-out be affected.
Thanks in Advance.
Don