Tie rod boots

[RalphVa]

Possibly the most misunderstood task. I don't even use two hammers, just one. Smack it at the outer end of the loop if possible. Nice big Ball Peen Hammer. Should come within three hits. If not, quit being a "Nancy" and hit it.

When hitting the ends of threads like this, it helps to screw the nut back on loosely. This will avoid having the thread ends messed up.

 

[ovrszd]

When hitting the ends of threads like this, it helps to screw the nut back on loosely. This will avoid having the thread ends messed up.

We don't hit the threads Ralph. Reread the posts.

Never, ever hit on the threaded stem of the tie rod end.

 

[ovrszd]

How about a pictorial?

Remove the cotter pin. Loosen the nut leaving a couple turns so you don't drop the tie rod. Smack the loop the tie rod stem goes thru where my finger is pointing. Diligently and with conviction. The tapered stem will drop out of the loop. Never, ever hit on the threaded tie rod stem.

Using my little JD as a demo because I'm too lazy to walk out to the machine shed and take a pic of the Ford 3910.

 

[japody]

Thanks for all of the replies. I had the guy do it because I didn't have the time. I guess I'll now have to make the time.

 

[gstrom99]

You should use the "press" tool or a "pickle fork" to split the tie rod from the knuckle. You can buy just the boots. Aftermarket are available, try Jegs, Summit or NAPA for starters. I bet Amazon has 'em too. You may need to measure 'em for the correct size.

 

[ovrszd]

You should use the "press" tool or a "pickle fork" to split the tie rod from the knuckle.

I'm curious as to why?

 

[Rebeldad1]

Easy and simple. Like some I dont like smacking parts with a hammer= no damage

Since it was just apart and new tierod ends put on you probably can loosen the nut and tap the threaded end with a 2x4 scrap
or wedge a screw driver in it and pop it loose. no alignment necessary.

 

[gstrom99]

I'm curious as to why?

Because they make the tools, so you don't have to beat on things with hammers. I beat on enuff things that are stuck, so I should know.

 

[John0829]

I have been turning wrenches for a living for closer to 50 years than I care to think about and have never used a fork or press on tie rod ends and never damaged one. Back when I was a pup a mechanic I learned most of it from (and still did not learn all he knew) taught me the importance of backing up the eye with a second hammer to increase the shock. Besides like has been said, since they were just replaced they will more than likely pop loose easily and nothing to align. Even if there were aligning a tractor is child's play.

 

[ovrszd]

So OP is supposed to go buy a widget tool to remove two tierods? What's that tool cost?

Have you ever saw a Professional Mechanic remove a tierod?