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Wed Sep 22, 2021 10:02 am

Does anyone have a suggestion for a Tie Rod removal tool? I have seen a few on Amazon, OTC branded but not sure if they will work on our bugs. It looks like there are 2 or 3 different styles to choose from , any info would be great. I have used a Pickle Fork before but would like to have the correct tool for this job, going to try and change them without removing the fuel tank. Thank You.

Wed Sep 22, 2021 11:41 am

I just bought this type. works for ball joints and tie rods

my advance auto had it, harbor freight has similar. they work great

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/performance-tool-ball-joint-separator-w83022/11931903-p

Wed Sep 22, 2021 1:28 pm

Thanks Erik G I saw this type and thought it would work well on the inner tie rod ends. :)

Wed Sep 22, 2021 1:34 pm

I just removed a tie rod end on my 1970 using this, because I own it.

https://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-a...eSEALw_wcB

Wed Sep 22, 2021 1:50 pm

+1 on the HF lever tool. Just used it last week on a tie rod end and ball joints. A bonus is the satisfying "bang" when the ball joint finally separates. $10

Wed Sep 22, 2021 1:53 pm

Just make sure to oil the threads, or they may gaul.

Wed Sep 22, 2021 4:01 pm

I have a tool like the one Cusser posted. It doesnt look as Heavy Duty as his, I think it may be a Power Steering pully puller :D Thanks for all of this info guys...

Wed Sep 22, 2021 6:37 pm

Mine actually came as a loaner tool from Autozone a decade or so ago. It was cheaper to keep it than actually buy one, Autozone doesn't care: you can return it any time, with receipt/online and the box.

Thu Sep 23, 2021 5:19 am

Take 2 ballpein hammers and hit the female side's of the joint ( what tie rod end is mounted in) simultaneously several times, it's provides enough shock and movement to the mount to loosen it, it's tapered so it generally pops up after a few tries. Have used this method on many types of ends, cars and trucks of all makes.
Its the way us home garage mechanics did it before Harbor Freight! and couldn't afford the proper tools!

Thu Sep 23, 2021 7:30 am

Just remember to wear safety glasses when working under the vehicle.

Thu Sep 23, 2021 9:46 am

I use a floor jack to put some pressure on the bottom of the tie rod (threaded side) then pound a pickle fork in between to release it.

Thu Sep 23, 2021 11:56 am

Thanks for all of the info guys, I dug these out of the VW Tool box this morning. Between these 3 I should be able to get it done :) .

Thu Sep 23, 2021 12:06 pm

I smack the knuckle with a hammer and they loosen up

Sat Sep 25, 2021 10:31 am

the problem with most of these tools is it will rip the boot. if you are replacing the tie rod end and the boot, no big deal. but if you are just removing to do other work, you want this type. it saves the boot. actually easier touse anyways, I use this even if I don't need to save the boot

Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:31 am

I don't rip the boots with this tool.

If I didn't already have this tool, I'd likely get this type myself

Mon Sep 27, 2021 2:48 pm

toxicavenger70 wrote: I use a floor jack to put some pressure on the bottom of the tie rod (threaded side) then pound a pickle fork in between to release it.

Pickle fork :lol: :lol: :lol:

Mon Sep 27, 2021 3:38 pm

When I was growing up, pickle fork was what I was taught to call it as well.

Tue Sep 28, 2021 2:21 pm

Pruneman99 wrote: When I was growing up, pickle fork was what I was taught to call it as well.
Same