[Vwdiesel] Tapered tie rod removal

[Val Christian]

This the technique I use for removing shot tierods:

1. place bottle jack under tierod arm, as close as possible to the 
joint to be removed.  Put tension on the arm, only about one or
two hundred pounds upward force.

2. Take cheapo air hammer (like Harbor Freight $6.99 kit) and with
the largest bit cut off, or with a hammer head bit, , position the 
air hammer on the end of the joint stud.  Apply 30 pounds or so 
upward force, keeping the "hammer" incontact with the stud and the
nut which you have put on the stud, just proud of the end of the stud.

It may take 3 seconds of air hammering, or it may take two minutes.
However, using this technique, I have always gotten the studs out, 
and I have not damaged anything else, including me.  

The usual Norm Abram's lectur on safety glasses applies, etc.

Other variants, including using torches, penetrant, etc., appear
to be unnecessary.  Loosening the nut holding the stud in place is
only recommended with an impact tool.  

In my opinion, doing suspension work without impact tools, 
is like sitting down to dinner with only your fingers and no 
utensils.