I need to replace the steering rack boot on the left hand side. Do I need a ball joint puller tool to get the tie rod off, or can I just beat it out with a hammer? The service manual is too vauge. What do I need to do to remove the tie rod to get to my boot?

 

You'll need either a forked balljoint splitter or a small press made for removing tie rod ends. Don't hammer the end out directly.

I use a forked splitter and a hammer but you have to use some care in that you don't ruin the boot around the tie rod end. Once the tie rod end is out of the knuckle you must completely remove it from the inner tie rod and then the boot will slip off the rack.

 

Thanks. I was totally clueless on how to do this. Thanks for the good advice.

 

I wouldn't recommend used a "fork splitter" or pickle fork. If you hammer on the side of part of the spindle that holds the tie rod end it will pop it out. Usually a few quick sharp hits will do it.

The pickle fork will damage the control arm where the ball joint is pressed in.

 

i'm with jeff a 5lb small sledge hitting the side is the best way if you are going to reuse the end.