Steering drag link

[Retired1SG]

Howdy - any tips for removing a steering drag link off an AC CA? I’ve tried Kroil, but the buggers still won’t budge.

 

[Nordic]

You may have to use a torch to heat it, and then whack the side with a good size hammer. You can try the hammer or a blunt air chisel for enough vibration. The down side with heat is if the rubber protectors take damage.

 

[Retired1SG]

You may have to use a torch to heat it, and then whack the side with a good size hammer. You can try the hammer or a blunt air chisel for enough vibration. The down side with heat is if the rubber protectors take damage.

Yes Sir. In fact, I brought a heat gun home today from work. Hopeful it works.

 

[gatz271]

Along the lines of what Nordic said, I've used a big hammer (like a 2#) as a buck or support on one side and then smack the the opposite side with a 1# or 1 1/2# hammer. Might need to work around the joint a couple of times. Usually that hard smacking will loosen the joint because the metal is being minutely displaced....as long as you can get access.

 

[Retired1SG]

Along the lines of what Nordic said, I've used a big hammer (like a 2#) as a buck or support on one side and then smack the the opposite side with a 1# or 1 1/2# hammer. Might need to work around the joint a couple of times. Usually that hard smacking will loosen the joint because the metal is being minutely displaced....as long as you can get access.

I appreciate the nuggets of info. I’m shocked just how stubborn they’re being.

 

[Brian G. NY]

Along the lines of what Nordic said, I've used a big hammer (like a 2#) as a buck or support on one side and then smack the the opposite side with a 1# or 1 1/2# hammer. Might need to work around the joint a couple of times. Usually that hard smacking will loosen the joint because the metal is being minutely displaced....as long as you can get access.

That's the way it is generally done. Like you, I always use a backup hammer but some don'teven bother.

 

[Aaron SEIA]

A pickle fork should easily pop them loose.
AaronSEIA

 

[Harold Hubbard]

A pickle fork should easily pop them loose.
AaronSEIA

Don’t really want to use a pickle fork if you are going to reuse the part.

 

[Retired1SG]

A pickle fork should easily pop them loose.
AaronSEIA

I’ll have to Google pickle fork, cuz I don’t know what one is. Lol

 

[Retired1SG]

Don’t really want to use a pickle fork if you are going to reuse the part.

Yes, the link will go back on. All I need to do is replace the dust boots.

 

[Aaron SEIA]

Don’t really want to use a pickle fork if you are going to reuse the part.

Other than possibly damaging the dust boot, I've never heard of a pickle fork making a tie rod end unusable.
AaronSEIA

 

[Retired1SG]

Other than possibly damaging the dust boot, I've never heard of a pickle fork making a tie rod end unusable.
AaronSEIA

And in fact, I have all new dust boots, so I'm going to give er' a try.