Any opinions on drag link and tie rod end separators?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by MRMTRANS, May 10, 2025.

  1. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

    740
    1,128
    Dec 13, 2022
    Laurel, MD
    0
    Air hammer and a driver like this in the taper area works wonders too.
    [​IMG]
    @MRMTRANS Tiger Tool has a lifetime warranty.
     
    Star Rider and Rideandrepair Thank this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

    3,710
    9,003
    Jul 12, 2017
    0
    It takes a concentrated swift and hard focused hit. Having a helper hold another sledge on the opposite side can help depending on the situation.


    In other words …..put the purse down and hit it like you mean it. Lol
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2025
  4. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

    5,419
    17,130
    Dec 20, 2019
    Marion Texas
    0
    I was gonna say like @Goodysnap said. It works most of the time unless the parts or rusty and have been together for 50 years.
    If you happen to have a setup were the nut is on the bottom so the ball part has to go up to separate I have used a floor jack on the loosened nut to give some push up force while still hitting with hammer.
     
    Goodysnap and Star Rider Thank this.
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    29,099
    157,675
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    BFH

    Another trick I've used is get a bolt same size and thread pitch as the ball stud and about 2-3 inches long. Thread a regular nut all the way on the bolt, thread a 2nd nut until the bolt is halfway through that nut. Use that nut to join it to the ball stud. Use the first nut you installed as a jam nut. Bash the head of the bolt as hard as you can with a big hammer. Never failed me yet.
     
  6. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

    6,043
    32,708
    May 2, 2021
    0
    I don't guess I've ever had one that hitting as @Goodysnap suggested didn't work. I use a long handled 12lber and usually turn the wheels so I can stand with one foot on the frame, one on the tire or bumper, facing the windshield.

    Pretty much one good swing and it's loose
     
    Goodysnap, Star Rider and wore out Thank this.
  7. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

    15,756
    190,503
    Jun 5, 2013
    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
    0
    I got a 22lb sledge I use. It’s not how hard you swing but where and how.
     
    Diesel Dave, dirthaller and Star Rider Thank this.
  8. Star Rider

    Star Rider Road Train Member

    1,431
    11,687
    Sep 23, 2019
    Michigan
    0
    Lots of methods, but as long a that $%#@ thing comes out is the main thing.
     
  9. dirthaller

    dirthaller Road Train Member

    1,056
    12,067
    Sep 22, 2011
    Coloratah
    0
    In these situations, I’ve never had more success than with a hard blow! I was taught 30 years ago that somehow you just aren’t swinging the hammer hard enough. I’ve had terrible luck with pickle forks and such.
     
    El Hueso Thanks this.
  10. El Hueso

    El Hueso Medium Load Member

    358
    1,003
    Dec 29, 2024
    El Paso. Tejas
    0
    Just put the nut on it upside down and if you hit it in the right place really good a few times it will drop off. The nut keeps it from flying all the way off. You have to nail it in the right spot and hit it like it owes you money. You have to get in a good comfortable position where you can haul back and swing good and you'll get it. If you don't have room, find a way to get things situated. You need to wind up and really take a good swing at it . Those forks and all those special gizmos are BS. I have a BFH with a handle about 2 feet long. It always works. It's good for duals that are stuck together too.
     
  11. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

    18,200
    273,985
    Nov 29, 2011
    West Virginia
    0
    BFH and hit it hard right on the end of the arm, it will flex the eye and the link should pop out, just make sure the nut is loose. Works every time for me….

    IMG_9668.jpeg
     
    D.Tibbitt Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.