> Hold a hammer against the top of the tie rod end above the bolt. Strike the
> bolt end with another hammer.
Providing you don't mushroom or damage the threads so the nut
won't fit. If you try this process, the nut should be on, and
level with the end of the bolt. If the stud comes free with
little hammering, removing the nut will help restore the threads.
The safest procedure is to leave the tie rod end on the steering
arm and unscrew it from the tie rod as others have suggested.
This is especially true if all you want to do is replace the
boot. Any other procedure is likely to damage something.
The vise separator is the next best tool to use if you want to
separate the ball joint without removing everything from the car
although this too can damage the end. Pickle forks should only
be used if you are discarding the old tie rod end. If you want
to save the tie rod end, and the spreader type of separator won't
do the job, then the best method is to remove everything and use
a bench press.
Still, If all you need to do is replace the boot, unscrew the
end. This is the only way on TDs and MGAs as the boot won't fit
over the tie rod ends and the lock nut for the tie rod end.
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