Do I have to have a special tool to remove/replace
or can I just beat with a fork and hammer?

__________________
81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project

Depends on if you want to "save" the joint itself. There is a ball joint removal tool, but if you're going to replace the joint, a pickle fork and a hammer.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

it makes it easier if you hit the side of the joint that the tapered shaft goes through. put a sledge on one side and hammer the other side a few times. this will make it loose enough to knock out. dont hit the stud too hard even with a nut on it, just tap some more on the side until it is loose enough to come out with a light tap

__________________

1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

Depends on the condition. I found it easier to just buy new tie rod end assemblies. I bought mine pretty cheap from a ebay internet retailer.

I had one that was hanging onto dear life b/c of rust and corrosion. Pickle fork did not do it. So I had to knock it out from the top w/ a big punch and a 3lb sledgehammer. Then it was loose enough to take out with a pickle fork.

A fork will often gouge the surface where the grease boot rides. That leads to early boot demise on the new rod end.

I am putting all new assemblys on so I am not too
worried about an old grease boot.

This is gonna be my weekend project, so I needed to know
if special tools were needed before I started.....I guess I
will just be beating them out. Thanks All

__________________
81 Mercedes 300SD 289k.......SOLD
82 Mercedes 300CD 252k......slow ride

82 mercedes 300 SD...mi Unknown
83 Mercedes 300D ????ksniff..gone too
84 Mercedes 300D 148k........SOLD
85 Mercedes 300TD 386k and holding some one elses project

jack,

a pickle fork definitely helps dislodge them. at harbor freight, they are less than 8 or 9 bucks

About that at Autozone also.

__________________

Gone to the dark side

- Jeff