I need to replace my tie rod end ball joint since there is play. I was wondering how you would be able to take out the balljoint. I talked to a mechanic today and he said that you can just wack it with a hammer. I see that its a bit tapered in there. Are their any tricks or special tools? That would be great thanks

AND how would i be able to put a new one back in?


[Modified by G2-Rex, 5:09 PM 1/31/2003]


[Modified by G2-Rex, 6:21 PM 1/31/2003]

 

MINE WERE RUSTED ON!! aj;lsdf;ljkadsfl;j i had to get a new rack and pinon assembly. ouch!

90 crx

 

ouch. any sugguestions?

 

there are pound points on it. git a large hammer and wack em. easier than using tie rod spreader. it'll come loose

 

well... it tapered right? pound it from side to side???

and how would i put a new one back in

 

pound the side. just one side. one u can get best clearance to pound on it.

the joint sits in a hole. after long time it sits so perfect it needs some jolts to break it loose. it sounds crazy but i was shown by my neighbor. and i almost **** myself when he started pounding on it. cause ive never done it. i was using a tie rod seperator. with no luck. he came over pounded on it a few times and it jus fell apart. really git someone that has done it , if you have any doubts on where to pound.

 

ok sounds good. isnt the separator just a fork?

well how do u put it back it if it takes that long to hammer out?

 

go to ur local auto parts store.
tell them u wanna rent the tie rod end ball joint separator
looks just like a ball joint separator but its slimmer on the fork side.,
wack that sh$^ with that tool.. it will come loose easier than just using a hammer... and its more simple... if u have a ball joint separator it will work.. i use the same toll for both

 

i dont get how a ball joint separator will work. its just a clamp right? is it supposed to pry that thing out? the only thing i can see that tool working is when you car removing the ball joint to where its connected. IE. Tie rod end and steering knuckle and lower ball joint to steering knuckle

also how do u put the ball join back in?

 

the ball joint separator is a fork like tool. you put it around the tie rod end joint and hit the tool with a hammer. since the fork part is tapered, it pushes the tie rod out of its "socket".

the problem with that tool is that you can rip the joint's boot.

putting the tie rod back in should be easy. slip it in the hole, tighten the bolt and feed the cotter pin through.

 

do u mean just the stud of the ball joint? i can take off the boot first, i know how to do that.... when i change my ball joint do i need an alignment done? and would it be easier to take out the tie rod end or would that cause problems (geetting alignment done etc)

 

not sure what you mean by that question. i told you alot of things to do.


i wouldn't think so with just touching the ball joint.

touching the tie rod will result in needing an alignment.

 

sounds to me like his original question was whether he can replace the stud in the tie rod end (he was calling it a ball joint), which he can't - must replace the entire tie rod end - i also just hit the side of the knuckle a few times with a hammer and they just pop right out - using a ball joint separator on the tie rod will most times pull the stud out of the tie rod end - if using a separator, you need the correct one for the tie rod - i know breaka_1_9 knows this - just wanted to clarify.