There exists a tool, and I know I once had one, that will pop out those tie rod ends. Looks a bit like a small c-clamp with a slot in the far end that hooks over the thing-y and then presses it out with a wrench. I've also seen a version that looks more like a clothespin, has a bolt at the far end and hooks on the same way. They come in a couple of sizes for ball joints and tie rods. I think JC Whipme used to sell them, and they aren't expensive. Maybe they have them at Harbour Freight or Northern, too. Or, you can just get some new boots and use a pickle fork . . . .
I've also been successful with putting a jack under the end (screw the nut back on upside down to protect the threads- leave it flush with the end of the threaded part), put some pressure on it, then tapping sideways on the spindle part with a medium sized ball peen hammer a number of times. Usually pops out quickly. glenh :<) No Quarter wrote: > I want to thank everyone for taking the time to write with their views on my > disc brake conversion. The lure of the cheap kits for a couple hundred > bucks is certainly there but I like the idea of converting over to the 1303s > spindles. I'm not much on the bracket thing although I have no doubt in my > mind they would work. I just like the idea of doing it with stock VW parts. > I've located a guy in the U.K. parting out a 1303s and so I've made some > offers on the rotors (if they are good) and on the spindles. I would > certainly get the calipers new (TRWs from Autozone.) I already have SS > braided lines so that's all well and good. > > As far as the rears, it makes sense to leave them be. They don't wear much > as you guys said and I really don't find a need for anything beyond stock > brakes anyway because with my big legs and ss braided lines, I can lock up > all 4 no problems. Right now I've been having problems with my brake > system - I think the rear WC's might be leaking a bit and since I need to > replace my strut springs and lube up my steering box, I figure I just as > well get some parts ready to go and get it done the way I want. I've balked > at converting as I like to keep things stock so that if I'm out on a drive > someplace and need some spare parts, a junked Super could be utilized to get > me going again. > > I'm going to save all the replies I got - they are worth their weight in > gold. Thanks once again for helping me come to a good decision. > > BTW: Are there any good tools you all suggest for popping the tie rod end > out of the spindle without damaging the boot? > > Erin > > _______________________________________________ > vintagvw site list > [email protected] > http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw > > > _______________________________________________ vintagvw site list [email protected] http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/vintagvw
