TR6 Outer tie rods - TR6

[tr6web]

How do the outer tie rods come off? I unscrewed the nut and unscrewed the steering arm. I thought it would then pop up our of the hole. I tried hammering it a little and nothing moved. Maybe they're just in there tight because they haven't been removed for 30 years? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[bash]

You need either a tool called a pickle fork and a hammer, or 2 hammers. I used the two hammer approach - you hold one against the side of the steering arm and hit the opposite side with the other hammer. It might take a few blows, but it works!

One point to note is that you should make sure you can get the nut off before you separate the taper - I got stuck with a turning joint and a nut that wouldn't come off the dirty old thread. I spent hours trying to separate it and finally gave in and sawed the nut off along with the thread!

Hope that helps
Alistair

 

[Andrew Mace]

There are also "presses" or "separators" that can be used, but the above described methods are usually easier and cheaper.

Point is that these are a taper fit in the hole, pretty much a good thing considering what they do!

 

[tr6web]

Not sure I understand. I got the nut off the bottom of the tie rod. Do I hit the threaded part of the screw from underneath and force it out through the top of the arm?

 

[Andrew Mace]

No. Reread the first reply above; you're "shocking" the tapered assembly apart via the hammer blow. It might be possible to hit the threaded end, but usually there's not enough room for a good swing.

 

[tr6web]

Ok, but the threaded end does come out as well? It's all one part?

 

[Andrew Mace]

Yes!

 

[tr6web]

Excellent!! I understand. Just wanted to make sure I don't bend or break anything. Thank for all your help guys!

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi Mike,

The others haven't steered you wrong. The double hammer method works. I just hate hammering on things if I can avoid it. Personally, I haven't had much luck with so-called "pickle forks".

Go to www.jcwhitney.com and search for part ZX881770B

This is listed as a VW tie rod tool, but works well on Triumph and many other applications. Might be the best $11 I ever spent for a tool! It handles 90% of this type work... I've got at least a half dozen other tie-rod seperators gathering dust in a tool drawer.

You can find this tool locally, or get it from other online sources, if you don't want to order from JC Whitney. www.northerntool.com, www.harbortools.com and www.toolwarehouse.com are other possibilities and are all tool sources I've used personally and can vouch for.

Cheers!

 

[tr6web]

Awesome! Thanks for the links. The picture of the tool also explains to me even more how it comes off. Thanks again.

 

[RobT]

One tip when using this device - reinstall the nylon nut on the end of tie rod but reversed - i.e. with the nylon facing up, and so the back of the nut is flush with the end of the treaded tie-rod bolt. This increases the surface area you have to work with when tightening down the tool.

Rob.