tools are different. Has anyone used the type which are like a C clamp with a fork on one end to grip the steering knuckle, and the other end has the screw that pushes up on the tie rod? Similar to this:
http://www.mechanicstoolswarehouse.c...er-P28145.aspx

 

use a hammer and hit the knuckle flange and the ties rod will pop loose. never seen anyone use one of those.

 

-I usually just loosen the nut until it is flush with the top of the threads and give it a couple raps with a hammer. Those clamp style removers are probably better if you're going to reuse the original tie rod ends. But for replacing with new ones, a hammer is probably the easiest way to remove the old end.

L8R,
Matt

 

Thanks very much for your help.

I've loosened dozens of TRE's by backing up the knuckle with a small sledgehammer, then whacking the opposite side of the knuckle smartly with a lighter (16 oz?) hammer, such that it slightly swells the taper that the TRE stud engages. The backup and hammer whack are at right angles to the TRE stud. What prompted my question is the peak or bulge that is part of the knuckle casting just at the place where one could get a good lick at the knuckle.

Matix151's description sounds like what I mention above, apparently it works for Neons, so it seems the bulge in the knuckle is not a serious obstacle.

The car is my girlfriend's, she means the world to me, so I'm extra careful, and not wanting to foul anything up.

 

your all good just hit the knuckle flange , ur not gonna hurt it. i do it all day long

 

just wack it

 

that's what I told her.

But you can just loosen the nut a bit and whack it with a bfh.