seanxgodfrey
New member
So I couldn't even get the tie rod off, do I just need to get some oil penetrating stuff on there ? It literally would not budge.
Tried doing LBJ's last night , didn't work out well.
- Thread starter seanxgodfrey
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
PitbullRescuer
New member
Are you replacing the tie rod end too or no? Best bet to separate the LBJ and OTRE is to use a pickle fork. But if you're replacing the OTRE's too, you could just separate it from the ITRE and take the OTRE & LBJ out as one piece.
seanxgodfrey
New member
I'm just doing the LBJ's right now hahaha, cannot afford the tie rod ends on a college budget.
PitbullRescuer
New member
Either get a pickle fork (but be careful of the OTRE) or rent a ball joint puller. Advance Auto makes you buy it but refunds you 100% when you return it. Again, just be careful not to damage the threads on the OTRE.
KidVermicious
New member
A pickle fork will mangle the bujeezus out of your tie rod end boots if the stud is really stuck.
My favorite method is to soak the studs at least overnight in PB Blast (preferably longer), take the castle nut off and flip it around and thread it back on (to protect the threads on the stud from mushrooming), then beat on the castle nut with the BFH. If that doesn't break it free, hit it with a propane torch until the other side of the tie rod end starts to smoke, give the spindle a super hard smack right next to the stud, then smack the castle nut again. Should pop right out.
When you put it back, coat the stud in anti-seize so you don't have this trouble next time.
My favorite method is to soak the studs at least overnight in PB Blast (preferably longer), take the castle nut off and flip it around and thread it back on (to protect the threads on the stud from mushrooming), then beat on the castle nut with the BFH. If that doesn't break it free, hit it with a propane torch until the other side of the tie rod end starts to smoke, give the spindle a super hard smack right next to the stud, then smack the castle nut again. Should pop right out.
When you put it back, coat the stud in anti-seize so you don't have this trouble next time.
Nelsonmd
New member
Autozone rentals are definitely the way to go. Rent the larger pitman puller and it should take the LBJ off just fine. When it comes to the TRE, get the no-damage tie rod end puller, it works great. I just swapped the LBJ's on my friend's 4runner using these and it went great. I didn't rent them when I did my own, and it was a PITA.
The pullers are nicer than the pickle fork because they don't damage the boots. If you have one that's really stuck, then maybe the pickle fork can put more force on them, but I am not sure if that's actually true.
I gotta think that loading the joint with the puller, then if it still doesn't come out, hit it with a torch while under pressure, that's gotta get off even the most stuck joint ever.
So Many Roads
New member
Tie Rod Puller
Use a tie rod puller. $12. Works great, will not damage anything. This is the one I used, worked great.
NAPA AUTO PARTS
You'll need a similar but slightly wider puller to get the ball joint off:
NAPA AUTO PARTS
Use a tie rod puller. $12. Works great, will not damage anything. This is the one I used, worked great.
NAPA AUTO PARTS
You'll need a similar but slightly wider puller to get the ball joint off:
NAPA AUTO PARTS
nevada
Senior Member
just smack it with a hammer, inline with the steering arm. it shouldn't take more than a couple hits to pop it free.
a pickle fork is fine, but only if you're also replacing the TRE, as it will ruin the boot.
I use a hammer for 95% of the joints I separate, it works Very well.
a pickle fork is fine, but only if you're also replacing the TRE, as it will ruin the boot.
I use a hammer for 95% of the joints I separate, it works Very well.
pluton
Senior Member
Yeah, there's nothing like all the old conspiracy theories all rolled up in one mega-entertainment. "Above and to the left", isn't it?
danthemanx07
New member
I got one of these:
Automotive Pulley Puller
Works well for both the tie rod end and the lower ball joint. Or as others have suggested, just go rent the right tools at autozone.
There is no chance of damage using a puller, but you could damages the tie rod end using a pickle fork or a BFH. Just my thinking on it.
Automotive Pulley Puller
Works well for both the tie rod end and the lower ball joint. Or as others have suggested, just go rent the right tools at autozone.
There is no chance of damage using a puller, but you could damages the tie rod end using a pickle fork or a BFH. Just my thinking on it.
Singtoe
New member
As a once famous young MC said; "Its Hammer time"
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LDsci-izhhc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Some more inspiration
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/otCpCn0l4Wo?list=PL2237AB98BCAC670C" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LDsci-izhhc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Some more inspiration
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/otCpCn0l4Wo?list=PL2237AB98BCAC670C" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
IBallEngineer
New member
There is NEVER a good time to use a pickle fork! Don't use a toy hammer either, use an engineer's hammer or a heavy ball peen. The hole is tapered and round, when you hit the side it becomes eggshaped and pushed the corresponding rod end or ball joint out. VERY EASY.
Pickle forks are for rusting in the bottom of your tool box!
