HELP! Can't disconnect steering box

[Paul Winterton]

Hi All,

First time on this forum, just found it, but I'll be back often.

My tii is up on blocks and I'm replacing the steering box. I can't crack the connection between the steering box and the tie-rod.

I've removed the top nut and pin, and attempted to push down with force.
I used a long wood dowel, and a hammer from the top of the engine compartment. No luck. I tried heating it with a mild torch, still no luck.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul Winterton
Vancouver, Canada
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[Dickfruster]

Welcome to the forum Paul.

You should try a tie rod separator, if no access to it, try the big f%$^g hummer and a chunk of metal. You wrote you are using a wooden dowel, thats the problem- it has to be "metal to metal " contact.



P.S. Where in Vancouver are you?

[Alpine003]

Welcome to the forum Paul.

You should try a tie rod separator, if no access to it, try the big f%$^g hummer and a chunk of metal. You wrote you are using a wooden dowel, thats the problem- it has to be "metal to metal " contact.



P.S. Where in Vancouver are you?

Ding Ding, we have a winner. And please wear some ear plugs if you are going to be pounding away at it and want to preserve your hearing. I wish I would've protected my ears since starting to work on cars...

[K Funk]

I responded to your thread on the FAQ.

But for the record, the key isn't to hit the threaded stud with the hammer. The key is to smack it from the SIDE. Seems counter-intuitive, but it will slide right out. Soak it with PB Blaster for help, and jack up the control arm to take the tension off the tie rod.
Also swing the steering wheel around so the pittman arm rests against the frame. Then a smooth whack or two of a small sledge into the SIDE of the pittman arm will shock it loose. It doesn't even have to be an extremely hard hit, just a few solid whacks and it should slide right out.
I just recently changed my center link without damaging any of my new tie rods, and it was way easier than I expected. No need for special tools.