Disconnecting track rod end from steering knuckle arm.

[pervert]

I'm trying to change the steering rack boot on my KE70, but I can't get the track rod end free from the steering knuckle arm.

I remove the pin, then the top nut off the track rod, but then I can't get it out of the steering knuckle arm, it's stuck solid...

I've trying levering it, and tapping it with a hammer...but no luck...what kind of tool is best to use for doing this when this happens? Any tricks?

[Peradx]

A very big hammer and smack the sh*t out of it

[pervert]

A very big hammer and smack the sh*t out of it

Yea, but I don't really want to damage the bolt and not be able to get the nut back on...

[AJz]

A very big hammer and smack the sh*t out of it

seems the best solution to many a problem, and can be put to other uses outside car mechanics

[Peradx]

put the nut back on before hitting it first thou. all you want to do is crack it so its loose.
It's how we do it at work, the first time I did it, it quite a few knocks to get it.

also by leaving the nut on you wont damage the thread.

[pervert]

Haha, fair enough...I'll give it a try later on then...I've already tried hitting it as hard as I am game to though...when doing some research I see there is such a thing as a tie rod seperator...maybe that might be the go...

[fivebob]

There's a Toyota special tool to do this, basically it a heavy tube with a bolt in one end and a cutout with two tags at the other end which slides over the knuckle. You could make your own if you have access to a welder.
see http://www.mr2-tech.com/bgb/mechanical/ ... 5_0001.jpg for a drawing which shows the tool.

Failing that I would suggest a copper mallet instead of a hammer as it's less likely to do less damage to the thread. Make sure you support the steering knuckle so that all the force is transmitted to the rod end. A bit of heat first may help, but be careful not to overdo it or you may damage something else

[fivebob]

when doing some research I see there is such a thing as a tie rod seperator...maybe that might be the go...

Also known as a pickle fork

However it not much use on Toyota tie rod ends, you'll just ruin the ball joint

[fivebob]

Quick search and I found Powerbuilt tools make just the device you need;
see http://www.powerbuilttools.co.nz/powerb ... ension.htm look for tie rod puller (half way down the page), or possibly the tie rod end puller or Pitman arm puller might do the job, if the gap is the right size.

[pervert]

You are the man fivebob, I might try giving it a go with a copper mallet, and I never thought to apply some heat...duh...good chance to get the old blowtorch out...thanks heaps.

[Ae92typeX]

another thing I do is put a smaller nut on the end before I wack it with a hammer. Often the end is tapered a little, allowing for a smaller thread nut to sit firmly on the taper. Ive found in the past, the thread can still be damaged with the regular nut on- even if you turn it a bit after each hit. Since I used the smaller nut trick have never had a problem.
yea, I always try to use a copper hammer.

[TrouserFxGt]

if there is enough room and you have two hammers then, at exactly the same time, hit the top of the bolt and the side of the housing.

[fangsport]

depending on the size of your hammer, 2 hits to the steering knuckle(not tie rod end) and the joint will separate. i do this operation up to 4 times a day with no issues.

[Lloyd]

Yup, dont go hitting the threaded bit as all you'll do it bugger it. Hit the bit its going into a few times and it should basically fall out.

[AE85coupe]

hey bro i've got a tool that looks like that powerbuilt tie-rod seperator

i've used it on my tie rods before, you can borrow it if you want

[pervert]

hey bro i've got a tool that looks like that powerbuilt tie-rod seperator

i've used it on my tie rods before, you can borrow it if you want

That would be awesome, I'm going to give it a good heat and smack tonight, and if that fails I'll send you a PM...

[fangsport]

hey bro i've got a tool that looks like that powerbuilt tie-rod seperator

i've used it on my tie rods before, you can borrow it if you want

That would be awesome, I'm going to give it a good heat and smack tonight, and if that fails I'll send you a PM...

i recommend heating it. there is every chance the grease or rubber boot on the tie rod with catch fire, furthermore, if the WOF guys see that it has been heated, they will fail a WOF.

[pervert]

i recommend heating it. there is every chance the grease or rubber boot on the tie rod with catch fire, furthermore, if the WOF guys see that it has been heated, they will fail a WOF.

I take it that's suppposed to be 'don't' reccommend heating it?

It's OK, I'll be careful...and if all turns bad, then I have no-one to blame but myself...

[fangsport]

i recommend heating it. there is every chance the grease or rubber boot on the tie rod with catch fire, furthermore, if the WOF guys see that it has been heated, they will fail a WOF.

I take it that's suppposed to be 'don't' reccommend heating it?

It's OK, I'll be careful...and if all turns bad, then I have no-one to blame but myself...

no, it's a full recomendation . if you want to spend even more woney on it
just take up the offer of borrowing the proper tool.