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WTF does it take to get the idler arm loose from the tie rod?

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Old 03-09-2012, 04:54 PM
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Default WTF does it take to get the idler arm loose from the tie rod?

I've been hammering, prying and every other clever thing I can think of to try to get this thing off. Problem is, I only have a rubber hammer and a ball joint fork. You think it would work if I used a metal hammer? What's the damn trick? I'm defeated here.
Old 03-09-2012, 05:03 PM
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The fork and a real hammer or air hammer will do the trick. Rubber hammer won't do much.
Old 03-09-2012, 05:07 PM
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I thought that might be the case. I'll go get one as soon as I can get a ride. Its ridiculous that I don't have a BFH but my Dad has some real shop space and a lot of my tools are there (30 miles away).
Old 03-09-2012, 05:31 PM
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Yeah I only use a maul if I am dealing with front end parts.
Old 03-09-2012, 07:30 PM
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Idler/pitman arm puller would work to.
Old 03-09-2012, 09:14 PM
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Yeah suspension parts require alittle bit of *** to get them loose.. get you a real rammer and that should solve your problem
Old 03-10-2012, 08:12 AM
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You guys were right. I got a 4lb sledge and it worked. I was really frustrated. I had taken the idler off the bracket already just to make some progress but I had to put it back on and get it loose from the tie rod first. Otherwise there was too much give in it when I beat on it. I think I'll try a pitman arm puller next time. I want to replace the pitman arm without damaging the rubber on the steering box.

Thanks again guys. By the way, i love my new Eastwing sledge. USA!
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