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So I'm trying to replace the CV joints on my MX3 GS and I am having trouble removing the tie rod end from the knuckle. Its REALLY stuck in there. Does anyone know any easy ways to get that to come apart. Its really frusterating because I have been waiting for my new CV axles for a week and now I cant get them on there because of the damn tie rod.

I never remove my tie rods to do axles.

remove strut, pull knuckle assy forward just enough to sneak axle out.


But if you really have to, thread a nut 90% of the way on, and hit that with a hammer. Don't damage the nut or threads.

Undo the lower ball joint on the lower control arm by removing the nut/bolt retainer. Use a long pry bar or pipe to push down on the control arm so the ball joint drops out of the steering knuckle. This allows you to move the steering knuckle around. Now remove the axle.

To remove the tie rod end use a really big hammer (I use a short handled sledge hammer) and give the tie rod end a really good smack directly on the end. The end will drop out. The mistake people make is trying to remove it by hitting down on the threaded part, this never works.

Ah! Yes! Dan is right, beat the s--- out of the knuckle by the tie rod, that usually works!.

Ryan wrote:Ah! Yes! Dan is right, beat the s--- out of the knuckle by the tie rod, that usually works!.

+1

After 31 years working on or around aircraft I can say I learned one thing for sure. The experienced technician goes for the biggest hammer right off the bat.

Ryan wrote:I never remove my tie rods to do axles.

remove strut, pull knuckle assy forward just enough to sneak axle out.


But if you really have to, thread a nut 90% of the way on, and hit that with a hammer. Don't damage the nut or threads.

Same here, I never had to remove tie rods to change axles on all of FWD cars I';ve worked on

Thanks guys. Yeah after removing one I found out that I didnt need to do it after all. Someone told me I did but I didnt so yeah it was a lost cause.

Daninski wrote:Undo the lower ball joint on the lower control arm by removing the nut/bolt retainer. Use a long pry bar or pipe to push down on the control arm so the ball joint drops out of the steering knuckle. This allows you to move the steering knuckle around. Now remove the axle.

To remove the tie rod end use a really big hammer (I use a short handled sledge hammer) and give the tie rod end a really good smack directly on the end. The end will drop out. The mistake people make is trying to remove it by hitting down on the threaded part, this never works.

...or, if you're not a caveman, you could buy a $10 tool which is made for separating tie rod ends. What am I saying... Big effin' hammer all the way.