I need to replace my front rack boot. Following the 86 Workshop manual, I need to separate the tie rod end from the knuckle by using a ball joint puller.

I don't have one.

Any suggestions on how to do this without it or should I just go buy one?

How difficult is this? Any words of advice?

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Some auto parts stores rent out tools. You might consider looking into this.

 

If you can't find a puller. I got mine at NORTHERN TOOL for 6.00. TAKE 2 BIG HAMMERS 5lb mauls work nice.
Hit the knuckle on opposite sides at the same time. VIOLA` the rod pops free!!!!

 

I hit mine with a rubber mallet? The puller didn't wanna work for me, so I resorted to that. Worked fine.

 

I used a busted up wood chisel to drive very far into the knuckle. Soaked the joint and basically tapped them appart. If you use a fork ball joint remover youll tear the crap out the dust boot. Use only a cup style or a chisel.
Good luck

 

Great suggestions separating the tie rod. Thanks.

Now, once I want to reassemble the tie rod back onto the knuckle, are there any tricks? Am I going to have any difficulty putting that threaded end back through the knuckle? Easy or need muscle?

Thanks again guys.... Trying to be as informed as possible before diving into this one.

Also, one note for clarity, I'm only replacing the flexible boot cover that protects the shaft and not the "boot" at the end of the tie rod. I noticed that the manual calls both of these a "boot".

So, I shouldn't be needing to do the "chisel" thing....I think.

 

ALl you need is 1 3lb sledge, hit it hard until the end pops out on its own. IT shoudl iterally fall to the ground.

To reinstall, just slide it up in there as far as you can enough to start the nut on the threads. Tighten it down, and the force of this will seat the end in teh knuckle. Tighten it until a) it feels nice and firm and b) the slots int eh castleatted nut line up with the hole in the end.

 

are you replacing the tie rod? If so, take a hammer and hit the sucker out. Worked on my '80 race car, they popped right out.

 

BTW, I don't have my cell phone any more, PM me if you need to get ahold of me..

To remove: Two options. Picklefork, or a hammer. Picklefork is easier, shove it inbetween the ball joint and the knuckle, and force the two apart by pounding on the picklefork. Gotta be careful not to damage the rubber boot on the ball joint though.

Or, loosen the nut until it's almost off. THEN hit it with a hammer. Doing it the way these guys suggested can damage the threads if you hit it with a glancing blow. The nut will keep it from flying down too. Then remove the nut, and tap it the rest of the way out.

If you want to try a picklefork, PM me, I have one.

PaulC

 

did everything work out in the end?

 

This thread is 3 years old man.

 

so what ...does it get the job done........ i still cant get all of mytie rods off the rack.. no matter what i do

 

thats the whole point. Find me an older thread, I assure you this one is the oldest.