DiskBrakes/TieRods(NotGonnaBash)

[Scooter]

Hey everyone, I just bought the CB Performance disk brake/ dropped spindle kit and I have a question about the tie rod and the ball joints. First of all, I got the brake off and now you can see the spindle and all of the rest of that stuff. I can almost get one of the ball joints out but only half way. I have tried (with two people and two hammers) to get the tie rod out from the spindle, but it wont budge. Now my question is whether I should take off the tie rod first (which seems like what I should do) or should I get the ball joints out first. If you have any help for me then that would be really cool. Remember though Im not trying to bash on people.

[bubblehead]

It won't be any easier with the tie rod disconnected really. Are you using a pickle fork to separate them or just banging them with a hammer? "Cause you'll be banging for a long time.

[teufel]

Saving your bashing for roofracks only?

Use a pickle fork to separate your ball joints. I'm going to assume you have no idea what I am talking about, so here:

www.sears.com

[teufel]

The CB kit is nice and once you get the BJ off you should have no problems. DO NOT bang on the threaded part of the ball joint, or you'll gall it up and have a real mess. Pickle fork slips between the knuckle of the joint and the spindle and it should come out with enough banging.
Nice to see you have a legit question, and you're not piling on w/Ralph Malph.

[bljones]

Pickle forks, especially in the hands of a ham-handed mechanic, can mess up the ball-joint boots; no big deal if you plan to install new ball joints, but if you are a cheap, lazy sob like me, you might want to try using a ball-joint puller. Most Vw parts houses have 'em, and they aren't much more scratch than buying a good quality pickle fork. If you are really kissing the rabbit, (ie no cash), then try a little heat, and a lot of penetrating oil, thusly: heat it up with a torch squirt in a little oil, and give it a coule of sharp raps on the side with a 5 lb. hammer. repeat as necessary, or until you give up and decide you ain't so broke that you can't afford a puller.

[Scooter]

I used a pickle fok, but could only get it about half way up. Should I go out and buy a really big one?

[Scooter]

*fork*

[bljones]

"i used a pickle fok but could only get it about half way up.".... hee hee, snicker, guffaw, bwahahahahahaha!!!!! Uh, anyone else want to comment? This one is too good to pass up! Definitely should be memorialized in the "unintended double entendre post hall of fame".

[mbugz60]

I was too busy laughing to respond.

[bljones]

okay, scott, you are halfway there. spray some good penetrating oil in there, and don't be skimpy- SOAK IT!! Now, go grab a dr pepper, or the libation of your choice, and relax for a half hour or so. let the stuff work. now, go back, and while prying against the ball joint with your fork, use your hammer on the side of the spindle. don't be gentle, really hit that baby, with some good sharp raps. this combined with the pressure being exerted on the fork, should pop it free.

[Scooter]

Ok anyways, I already got it out now (no thanks to you two), but know does anyone have any advice on how to get the entire ball joint out? Also how can I tell if I need new ones?

[Scooter]

So now I got both sides done (and found out you have to get those damn ball joints, pressed out) but now I need to do a couple of other thing then I will be ready for the brakes. I need new boots for the tie rods and ball joint cause I jacked them up with the pickle fork. The only place that I can find them is at CIP. Because its Sunday today and a holiday tomarrow, I can't get them at a shop. Does anyone know where I could get some inexpensive, but good quality boots? Also I broke the stupid shock so I need new ones... any suggestions (I broke the top rubber part while trying to undo the bolts)?

[Scooter]

Oh yeah, I would like to buy the parts all at the same place so I can keep shipping down.

[bljones]

try CIP anyway. They have a canadian warehouse as well, and it will be open tomorrow, so you should be able to get them shipped to you a little quicker. they also have ball joint pullers (now see, what did i tell you would happen to your boots with your pickle fork??)

[teufel]

Ham handed motherfucker!

[Scooter]

Ok, um..., what about any recomendations for shocks? Should I get the KYB shocks (just the standard Gas shock)?

[Scooter]

What about this, the shock in the front won't come out and I don't have anything good to hold on to the shock with (with the pliers), anybody know how to get these out a little easier?

[TimGud]

Put a little side pressure on the shock(pull the bottom to the side), use an impact gun,and it should come right off.

[Scooter]

Ok cool. Sorry about all these damn suspension questions... Lets see know. I need advice on this look I'm going for. Right now since all the brake crap is out of the car Im cleaning all the junk (I mean ALL) 33 year olds (cars) are dirty mofos. What I plan to do is put some of that Por-15 Gloss black stuff all over the front axle beam. Then, I want to polish/chome (one of the two) the tie rods and the sway bar. After that I would like to get all stainless steel bolts so it will give it that finishing touch. Good Idea???

[Scooter]

Oh yeah, when I was talking about the shock I meant I couldnt get it unbolted.