Damn Tie Rods, How to pop it off without screwing it up Options

[JRust]

Okay so I put on turbo tie rods a few months ago on my Corvair car. With the thick washers on that come with them. They won't go in far enough. They toe in just a bit. I read that sometimes those washers are to thick. So I figure to pull it off & go get some thinner washers.

All I did was tighten it up months ago. That puppy does not want to pop off. Is there a special press or tool I can use with it on my car which is on my lift? The BFH method isn't working. I tried prying it with a 2 ft breaker bar. I've stopped now as I'm pissed & likely to break something. So suggestions

[McMark]

There are specialized tools though.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/dq4zp01npifg0.cloudfront.net-419-1384063074.1.jpg)

[GaroldShaffer]

There are specialized tools though.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/dq4zp01npifg0.cloudfront.net-419-1384063074.1.jpg)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

[JamesM]

There are specialized tools though.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/dq4zp01npifg0.cloudfront.net-419-1384063074.1.jpg)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

If you plan on reusing the tie rod, DONT hit it with a BFH


Harbor freight as a separator that works just fine and costs a lot less then anything you might break with a hammer. As an added bonus, it makes the job a hell of a lot easier.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-i...ator-99849.html

[r_towle]

If you plan on reusing the tie rod, DONT hit it with a BFH

People don't read.


Read the Captains explanation.
Just because you have never done it does not mean its not there...

I never knew this till someone showed me.
Look at the steering arm (or any conical fitting on any steering) there is a place to hit it from the side.

It designed for this, and its not wrong.

rich

[JamesM]

If you plan on reusing the tie rod, DONT hit it with a BFH

People don't read.


Read the Captains explanation.
Just because you have never done it does not mean its not there...

I never knew this till someone showed me.
Look at the steering arm (or any conical fitting on any steering) there is a place to hit it from the side.

It designed for this, and its not wrong.

rich

I am not sure what it is you are implying I did not read? This was not a comment on anyone's method, I was simply stating don't hit your tie rod with a hammer if you want to re-use it, as is the instinct of a lot of people who have not done this before.

In response to hammering the steering arm, I am sure that can work just fine, I just don't like to swing a hammer at any part of my cars, especially when they are on jack-stands, and even more so when you can get a tool designed specifically for the job for 20 bucks where the only effort involved is turning a bolt.

I learned early on that any job is easier with the right tool, and now I do my best to not even attempt a job without the tool made for it (if one exists). Sure, a lot of the tools I wind up buying are cheap Chinese ones, but...

1. They do work, I have use this exact puller on 2 914s and 1 BMW in the last year with no issues.
2. I am not a professional that uses specialty tools enough to justify the cost of high end ones. Though if you wanted to use a nicer one, most auto parts stores (around my area at least) loan out tools like this for free.
3. For me, the small amount of money is worth saving the larger hassle of doing the job without the proper tool, even if I were to only use it one time.

Final thoughts:

If you don't have 20 bucks extra to throw at doing a job with a proper tool, maybe reconsider owning a 40 year old Porsche or any German car for that matter.

or you could always:

Hit it with a hammer until you get it right, not on the tie rod, don't miss, and make sure nothing is under the car when you do in case it comes off the stands.

Personally, I think 20 bucks and turning a bolt is the way to go. That is just my opinion though. My aim with a hammer is not that great but with the right tool I don't need to worry about that.