Date:         Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:13:56 -0700
Reply-To:     Paul Guzyk <pguzyk@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Paul Guzyk <pguzyk@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: tie rod removal
In-Reply-To:  <88d27b100707130748m6ab6ed38u35a5016930030454@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

First loosen the locknut on the adjustment part of the rod where it
buts up against the tie-rod end.  Much easier to do this while the
ball part of the tie rod end is still connected to the steering
knuckle.

Then remove the cotter pin (if equipped) and castle nut.  If it is a
newish tie-rod end it may have a nylon locknut instead of a castle
nut.

Are you replacing the tie rod?  If so you can bust it out using a
pickle fork but a better way is to use a puller, (acting as a pusher)
to separate them.

Use an appropriate puller from the kit shown in the first photo here:
http://californiavan.com/frontend/80-84lowerballjoints/
Try obtaining the kit (or similar) from your local FLAPS that rents/loans tools.

After you tighten the bolt on the puller (pusher) you'll hear a loud
bang and the tie rod will break loose.  This is normal!





On 7/13/07, thomas LaPointe <vanagonmail@gmail.com> wrote:
> couldn't find out how to remove an inner tie rod in my manual. there appears
> to be a pin/tag that needs to be removed before turning it off. advice
> needed here. thank you, Rustfalia
>