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Steering Linkage

kmborland

By kmborland
in Ask A GM Technician

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kmborland Enthusiast

kmborland

Posted
Posted

hey guz,

 

i have a problem with trying to remove my inner tie rod ends from the center link. is there a special tool or a special way to remove the tie rod from the center link? my truck is a 95 2500ld 4x4 that has a 4" trailmaster lift.

 

Thanks for the help,

Kirk Borland

Jsdirt Senior Enthusiast

Jsdirt

Posted
Posted

Either get yourself a small pickle fork (but that will damage the boot -- won't matter if they're getting replaced), or THIS

 

The one still in the case in the picture is what you need.

kmborland Enthusiast

kmborland

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thank you, what is the one in the case called? can i just get that tool by itself or be able to rent it from auto zone?

 

i have been trying with the pickle fork method with no successful outcome and i was wondering if there is a special way to remove the inner tie rod from the center link? like, do i have to place the pickle fork a certain way or something of that nature? bc no matter what i do with the pickle fork and pb blaster, its not giving.

Jsdirt Senior Enthusiast

Jsdirt

Posted
Posted

Usually you have to hit them pretty good with a heavy hammer, especially if you live in the northern part of the country -- the salt rusts them so bad that they're just about welded together. If your not going to be re-using the part, a LITTLE heat helps ... just don't go overboard on such a critical part. And be aware that the boot & grease will catch fire - so use common sense there.

 

Also make sure the pickle fork is the correct size ( not too wide ).

 

That tool I guess is just called a Tie-Rod End Remover tool. I've had to crank on those pretty good with an impact gun, then whack it sharply with a hammer. They can be stubborn sometimes. Keep at it and I'm sure you'll get it eventually. It's never easy ...

kmborland Enthusiast

kmborland

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks again, i will try the tie rod tool the puller tool tomorrow or Tuesday. if those dont work then i guess i will try some heat.

gmtech4 Senior Enthusiast

gmtech4

Posted
Posted

you dont ever use heat on steering ,NEVER !!!!!

 

air chisel with u-joint insert shocks the tie rod and it falls apart,take the nut off and bark the tie rod end stud (only if replacing the TRE)

Jsdirt Senior Enthusiast

Jsdirt

Posted
Posted

Might not be the proper way, but I've done it for 30 years. Going by the way they make sheetmetal these days, I'd have to believe you. Advice retracted. :thumbs:

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