tie rod joint removal

[jomalkay]

reworking the entire suspension, thought i would do the steering rack in the process. PO installed turbo tie rods, i want to remove w/o damaging the rubber boot where they mount to strut. I am afraid if i whack on it with the pickle fork, I'll trash the rubber boot. Tried a gear / pulley puller, cannot get a good bite. Also cut a slot in a large washer to slip between the boot and strut to get a better bite with gear puller, ended up bending the washer. Question is anyone have slick method or has used a fork without damaging the rubber? I'd prefer not to buy the $80 specialty tool for a one off use.
Thanks in advance.
John

[DRACO A5OG]

You can rent the joint remover from your local FLAPS for free:



We recently serviced my buddy's '86 this way, no harm to the rubber or joint, "10 seconds" pop it is off.

[jomalkay]

thanks, local AP stores all have the tools out at the moment, need to get it done this weekend, probably spring for the tool.

[euro911sc]

Cut an old plastic milk carton up and slip it in between the pickle fork and the rubber like your washer attempt. Put a little grease of your choice in on both sides of the carton part so things slip easily. Make sure the rubber can easily move out of the way when you put the fork in there and does not get pinched on anything. Bang away... Also helps to let the thing soak over night with some liquid wrench or equivalent.

[DRACO A5OG]

Originally Posted by jomalkay

thanks, local AP stores all have the tools out at the moment, need to get it done this weekend, probably spring for the tool.

HB has it cheap, that is where my buddy got it.

Piece of Plastic, doh should have thought of that before I destroyed my Tie Rod