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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...
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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 |
#2
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my frd says people usually attach the end of that fork to an air hammer and hammer away.....
the pickle fork should be last resort, that puller tool should be used first because the pickle fork is more than likely tear up the tierod boot. |
#3
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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.
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Peter 1985 300TD 4-speed 212K 1992 400E 343K 2001 E320 72K |
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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.
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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 |
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Quote:
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.
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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 |
#6
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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.
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David S Poole European Performance Dallas, TX 4696880422 "Fortune favors the prepared mind" 1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL 1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator) 2000 Mercedes Benz C280 http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg |
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--------------------------- No matter how many times you explain it to me, I'm still right.....Surf-n-Turf |
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Good point. I tend to baby these parts as if they are delicate and tend to forget they are engineered to take the abuse.
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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 |
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Sounds like a tool I need to add to my arsenal...
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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 |
#11
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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 |
#12
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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. |
#13
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Quote:
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. Quote:
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#14
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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 |
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Bookmarks |
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