MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Tie rod & steering rod

Trying to take the wheel hub and brake assembly off my 54 TF. I can not get the bolt that goes through the grease fitting on the tie rod to separate from the steering arm. Any suggestions?
TRH Hammond

Two ways: 1) get the proper tie rod separator, either by buying or by borrowing it from your FLAPS that lends tools. It usually damages the rubber seals in the process.

2) Do what many mechanics do, which is to loosen the tie rod end nut, position a pry bar so that pressure is exerted to separate the two pieces, and then hit the round end of the steering arm with a big hammer - HARD. You will not damage the steering arm, but will shift the metal just enough for the tie rod end to pop out.

I realize it sounds brutal, but you will be surprised how easily it works.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair

t lange

Hi TRH
I am sure there are many ways to get the job done. I bought one of these tools for about $15 and it was very easy to use to separate the tie rod. I would strongly recommend you NOT use a "pickle fork". They are junk.

Tom
'54 TF

T Norby

A friend of mine is actually going to loan me a ball joint puller. I'm going to try that hopefully it doesn't ruin the rubber all the grease fitting.
I started very early in the year with a job that seems simple, replacing the seals and bushings on the front end. It is turned out to be quite a project.
TRH Hammond

Tom - I realize it sounds brutal, but you will be surprised how easily it works.

Another term for it is brute force and bloody ignorance ): but it works!
Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

I purchased a tool similar to that in the image provided in T. Norby's post above. Worked like a charm and no damage to the rubber grease retainer. Most tools required to service and fix our TD/TF classics are inexpensive so it is worth laying out a little loot to purchase tools to become self sufficient. The correct tool for the job can save significant time and effort

If you are lucky enough to have a Harbor Freight store in your Town/City it is well worth a visit, prices are exceptional value. Of course don't expect Whitworth wrenches

1955 TF 1500 9194
I Massey

I use the same kind of tool that Tom showed. Sometimes the tie rod end is very tight, and the tool by itself won't remove it. Then, you can use the tool to apply some force, and whack it with a hammer. That has always worked for me.
S Maas

You really need to attack the joint with two hammers - simultaneous heavy blows to each side of the arm. This squeezes the taper and pushes the pin out. If you are not ambidextrous get someone to hold a heavy weight against the joint whilst you bash it with a hammer opposite the weighted side.
Cheers

Jan T
J Targosz

I used the tool that was shown, ball joint separator, and within three turns it separated. Habs are getting prepped for new bearings.
TRH Hammond

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2016 and 17/04/2016

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now