suspension removal issue... HELP!?

[vertebraille]

Hey,

 

Here's my problem... I'm removing my front suspension and have everything disconnected, except the tierod. I removed the cotter pin and castle nut. However, it still wont budge. Am I missing something? I know its something stupid and I'll feel like a idiot, but I can't see what it is.

 

thanks in advance,

Murph'

[jtburf]

Simply run the nut back up (tighten) and make sure the threads have not been mushroomed.

 

If they have you need to file them or shorten the bolt with a hacksaw....

 

Hope this helps.

 

John

[srbigbutt]

You will have to use a ball joint separator. If you are not going to reuse them you can always use a sledge hammer to separate them. But this could mushroom the threads if you are going to use it again.

[JMortensen]

Don't hit the stud with a hammer, or the threads will mushroom and it won't come out, as jtburf said. The way to remove a tie rod with a hammer is to hit the STEER KNUCKLE. A ball joint separator or pickle fork will work, pickle fork will probably take out the boot so if you want to reuse you probably want the ball joint separator.

[vertebraille]

Thanks for all the advice guys... Here's the deal, I went to my friendly local autozone and borrowed a "pitman/tierod end remover" its currently (rod end 1) (remover 0) this thing is on there... I plan on replacing this stuff but Im not sure what I need to save... so far I just removed the suspension minus the strut tube bottom/steering arm. tried to take a better picture, but my camera is dead and my phone sucks.

 

thanks.

Edited November 1, 2009 by vertebraille
stupididty

[JMortensen]

Try a picklefork and a BFH. The picklefork is usually less than $5 at the parts store.

[ezzzzzzz]

There is a specific tool for this job and it isn't a pickle fork. Search tie rod removal tool or just go here. http://www.carparts.com/AMERICAN-PRESTO-TIE-ROD-END-REMOVAL-TOOLS/GP_2004158_N_111+10718+600022267_10618.car

[srbigbutt]

I just got doing this on my Z today. Working on replacing all the bushings. I used a pickle fork and a hammer. It helps to raise the front suspension with a jack a little and give the tie rod end a little room to move downward.

[CJBrian]

Hammer on the steering knuckle and penetrating oil worked for me.

[shika805]

i had a problem with this too... how i got mine off was removing the steering knuckle from the ball joint and strut tube. Your tie rod is now able to be removed from the steering column with the steering knuckle still connected. When you have both parts off the car i took one blow with the hammer to the tie rod and damn thing popped out. I dont know why it was so easy to removed it with off the car when on the car??? use some liquid wrench or aero kroil, it'll help a lot.

[shika805]

^ this will also help if you are still wanted to save your tie rods. my suggestion is just getting some new ones, hammering on those tie rods really mess up the threads.