Flywheel removal, broken tie rod bolts...

[ddavisaf]

I was removing my transmission to change my flywheel out. I was following the guide on this site and my Chiltons. In both operations is says to remove the tie rod from the steering knuckle. Well, I got my drivers side off just fine, and went to remove the passenger side and I sheared off the bolt. I do not have the means to drill it out. And I cannot pry the tie rod off. This puts me in a bit of a quandry. If I try and remove the axel nut from the driver side, I'll break something. There is less a nut and more a ball of rust. Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed from here?

 

[jott5555]

i dont think you would have to drill it out.. cant you just tap it with a hammer and it should slide out..

honesly ive done it w. out pulling anything but the bottom ball joint and you can get everthing out.. about the rusted axel nut try pounding a smaller socket on thats one route.. or if you can get the proper socket on it use lots of lube and mabe some heat..

 

[ddavisaf]

Awesome, thanks.

 

[lasertim]

Do as jott5555 said for the tie rod end.

My axle nut was a ball of rust too when I went to take it off. Use a scraper and try to scrape that rust off. I wouldnt suggest using a larger socket though, rust is soft and you may damage the nut if there is too much slop once the rust crumbles apart. If you have to, use a dremel or file and remove that rust and use the proper socket.

 

[PaulN]

I just pulled my transmission for the second time over the weekend and I never undo tie rod ends or ball joints.

I simply take the brake caliper off, and hang it from the strut and then unbolt the strut and pull the axle out from the carrier and let it hang there.