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CJ
Lv 5
CJ asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 10 years ago

Can you unscrew a tie rod without removing the ball joint?

I need to remove the strut but dont have a ball joint separator, is it possible to unscrew the tie rod end without removing the ball joint?

I would just leave the tie rod end attached to the strut and then screw it back on to the same position when its ready to go back.

Would this work??

Update:

I didn't want to use a fork separator because I don't want to replace the tie rod ends.

I was under the impression that the inner tie rod could rotate freely inside the steering rack so it should be able to unscrew without moving the outer tie rod end? no?

Update 2:

I've done some google research and it looks like it can rotate freely so I don't see why this wouldn't work

3 Answers

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  • moe fugger
    Lv 7
    10 years ago
    Favourite answer

    You can do it like that but why would be the question. I havent used a pickle fork in over twenty years and have done hundreds of tie rods and ball joints. Use a big hammer and hit the strut where the tie rod goes through and boom, its seperated.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    10 years ago

    Buy a ball joint separator, they're cheap and readily available, and far easier than trying to unscrew the tie rod end and then refit in the same place!

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    buy a pickle fork thet about $10 bucks . an pop that joint save you self time

    Source(s): old
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