I used a pickle fork the other night in the process of separating an outer tie rod end on my W124. At one point I was REALLY beating on it VERY HARD - so hard that the hammer end of the pickle fork is now a bit mushroomed. I ended up using a 3 jaw gear puller to separate it since the pickle fork just couldn't get it done and my tie rod end puller kept spreading.

My question: after using one, it seems that a pickle fork is a rather barbaric tool - can't the pounding transmit blow force to the steering box and cause accelerated wear and/or damage? Has anyone ever seen this? When I was done I pushed and pulled on the tie rod and everything still seemed very tight, but I don't think I want to use a pickle fork anymore...

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280