Yet another newbie question... how to free the steering rod?

[bsbrum]

How does this come apart?

I removed the nuts from both ends, but I cannot budge them. There is a slot in the stud for each - are they threaded into the connecting arms? (shudder)

I cannot get them to budge.

 

[VA MTN MAN]

Where the rod goes thru the steering arm take a large hammer and hit the side of the steering arm 90 degrees from the tie rod . The tie rod is cone shaped into the steering arm a sharp hit and they will usally just pop out. If not there is a tie rod fork that you can buy or maybe rent to drive between the rod and arm shaped like a fork.
Good luck

 

[bsbrum]

Rick-

I did try that, but when it didn't move I didn't want to keep whaling on it.

I sprayed some Liquid Wrench penetrating oil on it, so I'll give it another try tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

[NormL]

Rick-

I did try that, but when it didn't move I didn't want to keep whaling on it.

I sprayed some Liquid Wrench penetrating oil on it, so I'll give it another try tomorrow.

Thanks!

Depends on why you want them off. If they are worn and you're replacing them, there's no need to be delicate. Use a heavier hammer than the one you're beating on the tie rod end with, under the arm that it's mounted in. If you are using it again, then the fork tool mentioned earlier is the way to go. Usually one good swing of the hammer on the end of the fork will do it. It's a good tool to have around BTW.

 

[gengine]

I don't know about renting a tie rod fork, I just did tie rods on my pickup. Harbor freight has tie rod forks for $13 here, napa's are $14. Trust me, pending the extra $1. I saw the price at hf, thought it was a deal without any research, and they are one time use. The napa ones worked for the other three tie rod ends, and is still goin strong. Anyway, if you are replacing the tie rod end, hit the end of the threaded shaft with a hammer. If saving them, use a fork. Just watch the rubber boot as to not destroy it.

 

[Doppelgangar]

Where the rod goes thru the steering arm take a large hammer and hit the side of the steering arm 90 degrees from the tie rod . The tie rod is cone shaped into the steering arm a sharp hit and they will usally just pop out. If not there is a tie rod fork that you can buy or maybe rent to drive between the rod and arm shaped like a fork.
Good luck

You need Two hammers One big one and one extra big.

You hit it hard with the extra big hammer to stop springing. The Object is to make the taper go out of round.

 

[the6shooter]

Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a tie rod separator pickle fork (that is the proper name) you may use it once, but if you need one again you will have it in your collection of tools. owning a tractor you will find you need quite a few tools. and this tool won't break the bank.
david

 

[bsbrum]

Thanks all! It has been many moons since I've pulled apart a vehicle of any type... and my first go round with a tractor. I prefer to nuance something before I brute force it - I've learned my lesson (snapping head studs in high school).

I never pulled tie rods apart before. I'll go with the fork! I have a NAPA about 5 miles from me.

Great advice! Thanks again.

 

[wojeepster]

The best is called a tie rod end and ball joint seperator. Mine is a Sikes-Pickavert made in England. You put it in place and tighten the bolt and it goes "bang" and comes apart. It stays clear of the rubber boot. It is better than the pickle fork as they usually tear the rubber boot (not important if you are replacing anyway).

 

[bsbrum]

The best is called a tie rod end and ball joint seperator. Mine is a Sikes-Pickavert made in England. You put it in place and tighten the bolt and it goes "bang" and comes apart. It stays clear of the rubber boot. It is better than the pickle fork as they usually tear the rubber boot (not important if you are replacing anyway).

Nice. I will look into that. I did get the fork - my boots were not of any consequence, they were so deteriorated anyway. :-/

Thanks for the great tip!