idosubaru Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 What tool do you use to remove the outer tie rod from the knuckle without tearing the boot? I live in rust prone area so these aren't expected to be easy. Good luck right....???.... Not interested in replacing on these vehicles...would like to keep them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I've always had good luck hitting the knuckle with a hammer, those pickle fork tools are impossible to use without busting the boot. I only use them when I know I'm going to replace the ends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I've always had good luck hitting the knuckle with a hammer, those pickle fork tools are impossible to use without busting the boot. I only use them when I know I'm going to replace the ends. yes, whack the knuckle with a hammer. heavier hammer works best. This will be demonstrated in my upcoming continuation of the 'art of subaru maintenance' videos within the next few days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I use my 8lb. "mini sledge" generally. Hasn't failed me yet lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaleda Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I use my 8lb. "mini sledge" generally. Hasn't failed me yet lol Yep I have done that several times sometimes it works sometimes not just have to cross you fingers and hope for the best. If the ends are rusty might want to soak th with some penetrant for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 The ONLY way to do them: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaleda Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 The ONLY way to do them: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html GD How tough are those, can you realy wrench on them? That would certainly help with the tighter ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 Just ordered one of those, thanks GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I have two of them and I've used them hundreds of times. Neither has ever failed in any way - nor have they failed to remove any ball joint or tie rod end or ever ripped a boot. Would I have recommended it here on the forum and to my friend Gary if that were not the case?!? GD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaleda Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 Nice I am always a little caucious about harbor freight tools, it took two of their pickle forks to get one ball joint out lol. I will defiantly be getting one of those now. Thanks for the review gd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted January 30, 2013 Author Share Posted January 30, 2013 The ONLY way to do them: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-point-joint-separator-99849.html well shiver me timbers was gonna get one of those anyway for ball joints. tie rods too, sold and done! thanks. I have two of them and I've used them hundreds of times. Neither has ever failed in any way - nor have they failed to remove any ball joint or tie rod end or ever ripped a boot. Would I have recommended it here on the forum and to my friend Gary if that were not the case?!? AAAHA HA!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnceggleston Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 the other thing you can do if you do not have your special tool handy, is to remove the castle nut and thread on a lug nut. now you can whack on the nut and not booger the threads or the castle nut. but a good whack to the knuckle has always worked for me. and i didn't even go to catholic school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted January 31, 2013 Share Posted January 31, 2013 the other thing you can do if you do not have your special tool handy, is to remove the castle nut and thread on a lug nut. now you can whack on the nut and not booger the threads or the castle nut. but a good whack to the knuckle has always worked for me. and i didn't even go to catholic school. :grin::grin::grin::grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
logic23 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 I also have always had luck with a large ball peen hammer...The heavier the better. Back the castle nut off a little but not too far or if you miss you will bend/dent one of the points of the castle. There is also a smaller version of a pittman arm puller that puts pressure on the tie rod and will eventually pop it out. I also use a modified pittman arm puller on ball joints to get them apart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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