Special tools

[francis]

Anyone know where I can get a puller for tie rods? Does this have to be for MB or a generic one will do?


Francis

francis,

The professional MB techs on this site may not agree, and you should of course listen to them, but here's what I use.

I own a pickle fork tie rod seperator, but I can't remember the last time I used it. I believe that the best tie rod seperator is a nice size ball peen hammer. If you strike the member in which the stud portion is fitted, not the stud itself, you can make them "shoot" out. They are tapered, if you drive against the end, slightly decreasing the size of the tapered bore momentarily that they are fit into, they will pop out. It would, of course, be helpful to remove the cotter pin and nut first.

Good Luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

[Benzmac]

There is a tool that will squeeze them out without damage. If they are to be replaced, it is OK to use the fork.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[francis]

Where do I get this tool?


Francis

Francis,
I agree 100% with Larry. I used to be a porfessional mechanic (VW Prsche Audi) and no one in the shop used a pickle fork. We loosen the nut on the end of the tie rod and gave a good whack to the fitting. As Larry said, do not hammer on the end of the taper rod end (male end), but the female housing it fits in. This braks the taper joint intrface momentarily and the rod ends pops out! In my opinion, it is a lot more friendly to the car than the fork, a lot cheap, and easier to do. As i see frequently on this board "just my 2 cents". In any case, good luck!

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Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

[jeffsr]

The hammer is the way to go. If it doesn't pop on the first or second tap, a little penetrating oil should help. Heat is sometimes necessary, but nothing hotter than a propane torch. Pickle fork is only useful if you plan to replace the tie rod end. It's not indicated for simple disassembly. The puller you are looking for can be found in a number of different places. It's a fairly standard tool, as most all of the tie rod ends on the planet are the same. Snap-On, S-K tools, and a number of others make them. Bavarian auto sport and Performance products also sell them. Good Luck...

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325