I'm trying to replace the tie rod ends and I got as far as removing the cotter pin and castle nut. I can't seem to get the tie rod end off. What do I do now? I have a 1974 Mav 2 door with I6-200ci.
I am guessing you are trying to remove it from the spindle knuckle. Loosen the nut almost all the way ( leave it on by almost the depth of the nut. Use a large hammer (I use a 3 lb mini sledge) and strike the knuckle on the side. Do not hit the tie rod end or nut. The shock from the hammer blow to the knuckle will release the taper from the spindle. You can do the same with the ball joints.
I use a pickle fork ( free to borrow ) from Autozone. But you'll still need the hammer. I've found that hammers are an intergral part of front end work.
If you use the method Allan described, you will not damage the tie rod end. Sometimes it takes a few hard whacks, but it will come apart. I have not used a pickle fork since I learned about this method!
Ok, I went out and borrowed a tie rod end puller. I took the old tie rod ends off and counted the turns to get it off. When I put them back on and drove the car, it sounds like the tires are skidding. I'm wondering if I have knocked the allignment way way off?
If it had been aligned with worn-out tie rod ends, the toe is probably off now. I'd take it for an alignment if you don't like buying tires. It's a good idea after replacing front-end parts anyway, especially tie rod ends.
Yeah, you can eat tires in a matter of a couple hundred miles if the toe is badly out. Just ask my boy! He had that issue when he first got his car.
I just did a disc brake upgrade on mine and it appears the later tie rod ends are shorter than the early ones. Like you I counted the turns but the tires squeal bad. I will have mine aligned after I swap the rear springs and shocks out.
