Ball joint separator for track rod ends

[Caveman_nige]

I am going to replace my NSF track rod end this weekend, from reading threads on here i understand i need a 'ball joint separator'. I do not currently have one of these tools in my arsenal so need to buy one. On the bay i can see a massive variation of types and sizes, can anybody make a recommendation for me on the size and type i should buy.. Prices vary from £4 to £144, personally i am looking towards the budget end as the only time I am ever likely to use this sucker again is to do the other side..

Wherever i buy it from I need to have it by the weekend... So if its a Halfrauds jobby then so be it, VX have yet to call me back with their crazy quote for doing the job.

[Jezzy]

Don't bother - I bought a Laser one from Halfords for exactly the same job as you're planning (TRE), but when I came to do the work the ball joint seperator turned out to be too small (the "jaws", if you will, weren't far enough apart), so I borrowed a trick from TV's Edd China and hit the TRE from the side to break the tension, job done.

[Jezzy]

This is the one I bought:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165469

[victorM]

All you need is a decent hammer!! unfasten the locknut on the T R END then with a swift clout hit the hub carrier where the t r end is mounted and out it will pop, you may find it a little easier to put the steering on full lock so as to get a good view of the t r end, hth keith.

ps don`t forget to slacken the locknut on the steering rack first

[Caveman_nige]

cheers guys, was advised about the hammer trick this evening but will borry a tool just in case..

How long does this job take, I think it should be about 20 minutes if no probs are encountered... VX came back with a labour only quote of £126, i told them they were 'taking the p155' and they said they would go and check the system and come back to me to confirm the time it takes etc..

[victorM]

yep, 20/30 mins should see it done, and don`t they know how to charge!!