Tie Rod End Change: Need Advice

[CRSWA]

I'm trying to change out my tie rod ends and I can't seem to separate them from the knuckle. I've done this job on other vehicles, but never had this much difficulty.

I've used the torch on them, bashed them with a mini sledge and gone after them with a pickle fork and nothing so far has worked. I've used as much force as I can bring to bear and I'm worried about breaking things. I need some advice on what to try next. Ideas?

 

[clintnz]

The best method I've found for tie rod ends is to lever them with a really long crowbar, while smacking them on the side with BFH. Two people is best.

Cheers
Clint

 

[nickolai]

Soak in penetrating oil overnight, try one of the screw type seperators

 

[Nas90tdi]

If you aren't trying to save the boot, pop them off with a pickle fork. Otherwise you are just working way too hard.

Sometimes it won't destroy the boot, just be aware it's a distinct possibility.

 

[AirheadNut]

I recently helped remove a really stubborn tie rod end on my brother's HDJ81. We used a pickle fork to no avail, and ended up with one of the screw type separators. Crank it down tight, and if it doesn't come off give it a couple of good whacks with a small sledge hammer.

 

[CRSWA]

Yeah, I was wondering why my standard pickle fork, which I've used for decades, is all bent to hell now. I realized it's not heat treated, so I went and splurged on a heat treated one. If that doesn't work, I may try explosives.

 

[coldtaco]

I had to use a screw type tool too.

 

[44Runner]

I have never had a pickle fork not work. I have also never had a pickle fork not mess up the boot. You might just need a bigger hammer. Get that thing in there as best you can and then hit the part holding the TRE from the side and it generally pops right out.

 

[goodtwin]

I just changed out both of my tie rod ends and my drag link ends on my BJ70 last night. I've owned FJ60's in the past and have always used a two jaw puller to put the rod end under pressure, then give it a couple raps with a hammer and they pop out. I didn't have my two jaw puller last night, so I did the redneck trick and smacked it a couple good blows on the side of the socket with a sledge and they all popped out. I didn't think it would work, and generally I don't like hitting my trucks with a sledge, but it worked and didn't deform the socket in any noticeable way.

 

[CRSWA]

Finally resolved the issue with one of these. Makes an impressive BANG! when it lets go, too! Thanks for all of the suggestions.