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Wed Jul 18, 2012 9:24 am

I have a 1967 bug and trying to replace the inner tie rods. I've been hammering on the driver side rod and it seems to be in there pretty tight. Is it possible that I may be damaging the pitman arm and steering gear box? Rented a pickle fork from Autozone but it doesn't fit between the the two inner rods so I ordered a 19mm universal tie rod removal tool on ebay and hope this will work. Not delivered yet, but was wondering if anyone used one of these and does it work? also been soaking in PB max.

Wed Jul 18, 2012 1:36 pm

You should have got the VW tie rod puller from CB performance. :wink:

Hopefully the universal one fits.

Did you try a really big hammer and hit the pitman right by the tie rod end? Sometimes it helps if you hold a dolly up to the other side.

Sometimes it helps to pull the tank too. You don't have to but it does make them easier to get too.

Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:59 pm

Yes you can damage the steering box if you get too carried away with banging on things!

An air chisle usually gets them off pretty easily if you can get the tool in there.

If you aren't worried about damage to the ones you are trying to take out, sometimes you can just put a big pipe wrench on the threads and spin them. Once they move a little it pops the bond of the taper and they come right out. But don't try this if you need to reuse them!

Wed Jul 18, 2012 3:23 pm

Taking the gas tank out will give you much better access to swing a hammer accurately.
With the tank removed you can place another, heavier hammer opposite your stricking spot to counteract the blows and to reduce the amount of shock you put on the steering box. You need to rap them sharply and solidly for this method to work.
If they are too tight, with the tank removed it will be easier to use a puller as well.

Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:58 am

Recieved the universal tie rod removal and it took me less than one minute to pop out a tie rod. This tool worked perfect. Should have got this before I started hammering on the rods. Well worth the $22 bucks.
Thanks all for all your input.