Pickle Fork Damage?
 

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...

toss the pickle fork
 

I have never found them to be useful. Pull out your 16oz ball peen hammer, and give a good whack or two to the holding (female) side of a tapered joint, and they usually separate.

Some have used a metal bodywork dolly held to one side while applying said hammer.

I don't think they do damage to your parts, potholes are probably more harmful. I have missed a few times holding that fork and hit my hand. :(

Yes, the boot did get torn unfortunately. Too bad - the tie rod end was new. Anyway, I have 2 complete tie rod assemblies on order and they should be here in a few days.

I agree - most useless tool in my toolbox. Good thing I think it only cost me $10. I will keep it around though - you never know...

As for road impacts, aren't those softened quite a bit by the fact that there is a pneumatic tire on the other end? Compare that to a hammer imparting sharp impact on the pitman or idler arm. But if it is common for shops to use the pickle fork with an air hammer then I should be OK.

when disconnecting a tie rod end or a drag link,because there is a tapered steel bar fitting into a tapered hole,if you take a decent sized hammer and whack the outside of the steel that contains the hole and it will come loose.

The tires will soften the blow a little. But remember when you hit something driving, you also have an extra 4000 lbs of force.

Good point. I tend to baby these parts as if they are delicate and tend to forget they are engineered to take the abuse.

I have a fork that fits into my air hammer. Air hammer is a long stroke piston type. I takes about 1 to 2 secs. to pop a tie rod off. It's fast and easy.

Sounds like a tool I need to add to my arsenal...

What about this one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32940

A long-barrel hammer would work better, but that one will probably do just fine.

Lisle sells the pickle fork set, which should be available at pretty much any auto-parts house. Sears sells it too.

Don’t even think about getting the lisle set mentioned above without considering the risk of using it. Read from post #13 on in thread I’ve linked to below.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7437&page=2

Below is photo of what I use. The fork is made in USA by Old Forge.

I don't think the cheaper ones hit very hard. The better ones have fews BPMs, blows per minute, like 1500 to maybe 2000. The point of the air hammer is to hit it hard and not keep tapping on it.

I'm curious to see the pics but that board doesn't allow it unless you're logged in. Can you post 'em here?

Photos below. It would not be a pretty sight to have one of the busted pieces come up and hit you in the face or head.