Can't remove steering damper
 

Hey guys, I have an 04 diesel 2500 and I put new shocks on it the other day (boy that was fun). I also have a new steering damper for it, but I can't get the bolt/stud out of the tierod. Is there a special trick for getting this out? I tried to ding it out with a hammer, but there's not enough room to get a good swing on it and I didn't want to bugger it up.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

That post is pressed in at the factory. You will need to buy/borrow a 2 or 3 prong puller to get it out. Just tighten down the puller and give it a couple smacks with a hammer. That is how i changed mine out.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

I whacked mine out with a hammer. I know you can't get a good swing so instead use a real heavy hammer, that way you don't have to swing it so hard. If that dosen't work then do what Mike said and get a puller to push it out, it may be hard to get the arms of the puller to hold on to anything though. I would say best bet is alot of wd-40 and something heavy to whack it with.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

I used a torch and heated it up. A couple light taps with a hammer and it popped right out no problem.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

I broke a 2 prong fork trying to get mine out. A BFH did the trick for me. Also, if you wedge a piece of wood between the tie rod and the front axle, this will help keep the tie rod from flexing and absorbing the energy from the hammer.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

3 arm puller. You can rent them at autozone for free. Just pay a deposit and it's refunded when you return it.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

you broke a pickel fork getting yours out Bob. . .that thing must have been IN there.

RE: Can't remove steering damper
 

It was in there good. I was ready to heat it up with a torch but luckily got it out.