Re: [DML] Ouch! Tie Rods Ends 1 - Tom 0

[Jake Kamphoefner <jakekamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Tom,
Take a look at the steering nuckle where the tie rod end goes through the hole.  There is a flat spot on it that faces the outside of the car.  Give it a good whack on the flat spot with a hammer and the tie rod end will fall right out!
(I hope, anyway.  For your sake!)
Good luck. :-)
Jake Kamphoefner
1063


----- Original Message ----
From: Tom Tait <TTait@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, May 4, 2008 1:17:27 PM
Subject: [DML] Ouch! Tie Rods Ends 1 - Tom 0


OK, Maybe we are tied 1-1...

I'm mid-way through replacing my steering rack. The rack is still in the car, mounts removed, bolts off the steering knuckle threads and I used a "pickle fork" to pop the passenger side tie rod end loose, no problem. The drivers side has kicked my butt.

I have applied wd40, freeze off, heat, and I've tried hammering with the nut over the top of the threads to protect them. I've lifted the suspension a bit with the jack and cranked the steering to the right and the left a bit to try to change the angle/stress on the joint. Nothing budges at all. The second round of the fight was running long...

Using the tie rod end seperator, I drove the wedge in as far as it would humanly go, and then started pushing down on it to to pop it loose. Finally I put most of my weight on it. The tool slipped loose and my face came down and hit the fender full force. Pretty stars swirling. No blood or broken bones/cartilidge, but I do have a bit of a shiner. And the tie rod is still firmly wedged into the knuckle. I even went back a few hours later and worked on it some more - no joy.

The car is rather useless without steering. What's next? 

Tom

. 
 

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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