Help,

I am dissambling the front suspension and steering for restoration and I can't get these two parts to separate. I don't know if they are fused due to age or if there is some trick to getting them apart. I have removed the top locking nut and the stem is threaded but don't know if the next part slips off or if it is threaded as well. It is part of the tie rod? I think. I have attached some pictures.

I believe those are called Ball Joints and you need a special tool (referred to as a pickle fork) to remove them.

I've also heard that it can destroy the rubber boot.

There is also another tool that uses a threaded bolt to push against the threaded shaft while pulling back on the collar.

In either case, you might be able to borrow / rent the tool from your local auto parts store, or buy it at Harbor Freight rather inexpensively.

HTH

E

Tie rod ends -pickle fork should do it. A good mechanic will give them a knock with a hammer and they will fall apart - not for the amatuer though.

Good luck

I normally do the hammer trick on mine, but besides taking a bit of experience, it's difficult to do when the parts aren't on the car. A pickle fork will work, especially if you are replacing them (as the fork may damage the joint itself, and as Enriqué mentioned it will damage the rubber dust boot). Or use a tie rod separator which works like a gear puller if you wish to re-use the joint.

Thanks for the help. I had hoped it would be easier but I will try and mooch one off a friend. I thought a pickle for was for getting those tiny pickles out of a jar!

I use a cheap little set that I bought from Harbor freight for 20 bucks. It's a C clamp type tool with plugs, adapters and receiving tubes. It allows you to remove and replace ball joints, tie rod ends, U-joints, brake anchor pins, etc. easily without damage. I bought mine about 15 years ago so they might cost a little more now but well worth the price.

It's a great job for an amateur! It was the first task I did on my Z resto 2 1/2 years ago...pickle fork and 3-lb sledge does the trick. Put the fork between the knuckle and the tie rod end, aim, and whck with the sledge! You're replacing those tie rod ends and ball joints anyway (based on the looks of them, you should consider it....) and those rubber dust boots come with the tie rod end when you buy them.

It is better to separate them while still on the car, but you might get away with using a vice. The only piece you need to preserve in that picture is the steering knuckle.

Steve

Try and use this tool, much more friendly to you and the ball joint than a pickle fork:finger:

It is excellent to use, just make sure the nut is back on the threads of the ball joint before you turn the bolt.

[Just thread it on till it is flush with the top of the pin, not like what is shown in the attached pic.]

It prevents the ball joint threaded shaft from mushrooming out.

The advantage of this tool is the linkage doesn't need to be on the car or in a vice because no percussion instrument is used:)

I couldn't get a pickle fork to work when I pulled the ball joints out of my car. I ended up using an arbor press. But with a press, go big or stay home! (Sorry a little euchre table talk there...)