Anyone know what size of pickle fork I may need to remove tie rods from 72 107 and 85 300D?

Our local outlet shows 11/16", 21/32" and 15/16" . Those would be 17.5mm, 16.67mm and 23.8mm.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

I don't know the answer to your question; but, I've used scissor type tie rod separators from auto part store loaner programs with better results than pickle forks. The scissor type do not do any damage to the boots.

Good luck!!!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

I am not worried about damaging the 30+ year old boots

With Covid, our stores up here are not loaning tools. I would have to buy the scissor type and it is a bit costly for a 1-off job.

I may be ale to remove the tie-rods with just a hammer, but a pickle fork would be less likely to damage other parts.

If I don't get an answer here, I will have to crawl under car in morning before heading out to buy the fork!

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

I would go to harbor freight and purchase their ball joint separator. Inexpensive and works like a boss.

Sent from my SM-A515U using Tapatalk

No HF in Canada. We have PA. Similar tool costs $50. Pickle Fork $8. For a one time job, it will have to be fork and/or hammer

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

I bought a forked one for a mustang job decades ago

it almost an inch between the forks

i did not know they made different sizes

worked for a triumph spitfire

worked for a 560 SEC

I plan on using it when I get to my 300d front end work

I use an old Lisle pickle fork on my cars to change the tie rod ends. No idea what size it is supposed to be, but the opening at the narrow end of the forks is 23mm and tapers down to 19mm towards the shaft. I can't imagine ever using anything smaller for any application.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]

Thanks guys for the info. There is a 15/16" fork. Maybe I will get one of those. Others say I should get the scissor type joint separator. But for my one-off job thought I would try the pickle fork.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

I went out today to buy a pickle fork. But store was closed because of Remembrance Day.

So I went to a different store. I asked the guy behind the counter where I could find ball joint tools. He said - to Buy or Rent? Their loan-a-tool program was supposed to be closed for Covid. But they were doing it again, so I got a good ball joint separator on loan.

First outer joint popped right off. Inner wouldn't budge. I thought I was going to break the tool. I tried tapping with idler arm hammer, but still no dice. Then got out my small butane torch and applied heat. Eventually released with a bang!

Other side and new tie-rods tomorrow.

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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5