At last, we have achieved . . . FAILURE.


I couldn't get the tie rod ends off of the knuckle.


Time for a Pitman Arm Puller? Or hand it over to a real mechanic?


Tie Rod Ends, Part 2

Tie Rod Ends

 

That is up to you if you want to do it your self or drop it off at a shop. The tool that was mentioned in the first thread will "pop" those out with ease. There is no way to get them out without ruining the parts. (i.e using a hammer). Even if you do have a big hammer to get them out its still not easy doing it that way or even guaranteed that they will come out.

 

@mykizism I'm sure you're right.


My Shopping List:

1) Pitman Arm Puller.

2) Beer

3) Perhaps more beer.

 

More beer is always good!

 

What have you tried so far?

 

Captain's Log
Star Date June 27, 2023, 15:34 hours

Star Ship Enterprise engaged the enemy in sustained battle, over the course of several days, but, finally, was unable to triumph. Despite the valiant effort of every crew man and woman on board, we were ultimately defeated by an adversary that proved superior in tactics and maneuverability. I take full responsibility, as every captain should, and lay particular blame on my own ambition and unwillingness to exercise appropriate caution. Not to mention the fact that I was distracted by that new ensign on Level 4. Man, she is hot.









The Pitman Arm Puller worked, but I was unable to free the outer tie rod end from the adjusting rod (that connects the outer and inner tie rod ends).

 

So...it was more beer?

Sorry about that...

 

You guys are gonna kill me!

If you haven't yet, penetrating oil is a friend. Left to soak for 24 hours if you can, it's gotten me out of a lot of trouble. What's the plan?

 

@Pyts Glad you asked.


The New Plan:

1) Forget about the beer. This case calls for tequila.

2) Perhaps more tequila.

3) Think about tools.

4) If the car were on a lift, what tools would give me the leverage to break those tie rod ends free?

5) Hmm. Channel locks?

6) What about really big channel locks . . . channel locks from hell . . . ?







@Frenzal I have an irrational affection for Canadians. Perhaps my heart goes out to them because they are always trying to get warm. I'm sending you a plane ticket (Economy Class). You can help me on this job.

 

I'll wait for next winter when it will be too cold here!

Wish you the best to achieve success with that job!

 

Throwing my two cents in, this tool was amazing for the spindle the other day when I did my wheel bearings. Dunno if you need it, but like I said it worked great!

 

How's it progressing, my friend? What's the Captain's log saying?

 

Thanks, Dez. I saw that tool on a YouTube video. The guy using it said it was great. But I went with @mykizism's Pitman Arm Puller recommendation, about $15 at Harbor Freight. An extremely robust item.

 

Thanks for asking, Amigo Señor Pyts. I've been pausing and resting. The work so far has cost me $300 in tools and a pile of aggravation without any real results. Still haven't figured out what tools I need to free the outer Tie Rod Ends. Also, my health seems to be falling apart. I may be staring down the barrel of knee replacement surgery. I'm like my Fit. The part that meets the road needs service and repair.

 

Sorry about Mister Coffee!

Hope you'll be able to see the end of this, and also get better!

 

@Frenzal Thanks, Frenz. I'll be seeing the doctor in ten days (it takes two to three months to get in to see an orthopedist in L.A.). We'll see what the options are. If he sounds like he knows something, maybe I'll ask him about my tie rod ends.



EDIT: It takes two to three months to get in to see a good ortho in L.A. If you want to see a salami maker, just pull your car into the parking lot. How's the National Health in Canada?

 

My father in law need to see an ortho too for his knee. He has a lot of difficulty just walking... Should see an ortho within 3-4 months. Good or bad, he won't have the choice. But all of this is free here.

I think we got good health care here, but it takes time to get in the system if you need to. But once you're in there, it's quite good. And most of all, free for almost everything you need health related. The counter part is that we paid high taxes on every purchase (15 %) plus high taxes on our salary (15-33 % from Canadian government + 15-26 % from Quebec government).