Any feedback on SIR266 tie rod end separator

[Jim2]

I frequently run across a 911 which has had the outer tie rod nuts torqued to 500 ft lbs. I own a few different pullers as well as a pickle forks which I avoid using since it ruins the rubber seal. Though I always have success (sometimes after a bit of cursing and head scratching) but this last time I had to create a fixture and put the entire strut in a press in order to break the rod end loose. My pullers failed and I'd like to find a puller to end all pullers, one which will won't spread, one made for stubborn situations like this.

Pelican offers SIR Tools 266H which looks robust with the horse shoe shaped base. Any wrenches out there able to vouch for this thing?

Separator PELTOL266H - SIR Tools - PEL-TOL-266H | Pelican Parts

[donporfi]

I used something similar on a 356. First tried to use other methods without any luck. The ball joints would not move. With this tool it was very easy, just tight it over the ball joint a lateral blow with a hammer and the ball joint separated. I bought a cheapo set in ebay.

[Jim2]

Ahhhh, yes the lateral whack with hammer, I know exactly what you are talking about as I most often have more success with this technique than my pullers. Lightweight hammer with a high speed impact, backed with a heavy buck on the knuckle arm. Sounds crude to some so I didn't bother mentioning it.

However, some of these instances have me exceeding the 20 minute mark as I exhaust each method and short of building my own super duty puller, I feel there has got to be one out there somewhere.

[john walker's workshop]

Some fit well and some don't. The ball end may or may not slip sideways off the tie rod shank.

[DanielDudley]

3/4" Forged Ball Joint Separator