im about to install a new set of struts on my 02 ep3. before i take it all apart do i need a special tool to separate the tie rods from the front struts or do they just need a love tap to get out? ive seen some tools for tie rod separators but im not sure if the honda tie rods are pressed in or if they just come out real easy. thanks.

 

rubber mallet

 

I use a tie rod puller i got from Kragen, you can get them out with a rubber mallet or a hammer but just be careful not to mess up the threads when hitting it
http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductD...egoryCode=3492

 

If you are going to buy a tool, get one that can do more than one job.....get this...

http://www.etoolcart.com/balljointseparatorotc6297.aspx

You can use this tool for the lower balljoint as well as the tierod ends....there are cheaper versions of this tool but do not mess with them, they brake.

 

wow, that one is rather pricey. /\ you can get just a tie rod end puller from Harbor Freight for like 8 bucks. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1752

there are usually a couple so make sure you will be able to fit the lip onto the strut arm.


TIP: loosen the nut but leave it on the bottom of the threads so when it pops it doesnt shoot up, the nut will catch it. Then remove the nut.

 

I do not care for the "pitmen arm " style pullers...With the hardened rotating bolt turning aganst ball joint, you have a lot more of a chance mushrooming the end of the balljoint as you do with a tool that just presses aganst the balljoint stub. Spending money on good tools is only a waste if you do not take care of them imo.

 

turn wheel and beat the strut with rubber mallet

 

yeah the one pictured there will not work.. the dc5 and ep3 need the one that was a "little pricey" harbor freight sells them for not as much but yeah the strust one wont be hard... mostly a rubber mallet, the lower tho is a pain in the dick. even with the right tools

 

A Pitman arm puller may be cheap but it's not the tool that you're going to want to buy if you intend to start wrenching on your own vehicle. You're going to want the adjustable ball joint separator because it will fit most sizes of automotive ball joints and has a lesser chance of damaging the stud if you use it properly. Yes it's more expensive, but it's a much smarter buy. Most trouble when working on a vehicle stems from not having the correct tool for the job.

With that said, for tie rod ends I normally don't use/need a puller. Just thread the nut onto the end of the stud to keep it from mushrooming and pop it with a mallet. Even lower ball joints can usually be separated with a couple of well-placed blows to the lower control arm with a hammer, especially if you have springs that are still under compression at full droop.

 

Ball joint seperator..

 

Take the nut off almost all the way thread it back on just enough where its all the way threaded and hit the side of it with a rubber mallot they will come loose after a few good shots and you will not mess up the threads

 

El tenador de pepino.

 

don't buy a tool you'll never use again (if you won't) any autozone will rent you one:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...man+Arm+Puller

OEM/Pitman tie rod arm puller for compact cars and smaller pitman arms

Part Number: 27022

when you bring it back, you get your $12 back.

 

Really no tool needed give it a try

 

you guys realize this is an old post from 09, right?

 

lollllllllll

 

Fail for us. I need to start checking that more often before I contribute to this crap.