I want to replace the adjustable tie-rod on my Mk2 Polo.

It is so seized that a garage wanted to blowtorch the nuts but were understandably scared of the fuel line proximity

because ... on left hand drives the adjustable tie-rod is on the inlet manifold (right) side, not the gearbox (left) side of the car.

Question is:

Can I lever off the old tie-rod with a simple 3-leg puller, or a cold-chisel or similar, or should I invest in a balljoint splitter?

Get a ball joint splitter mate,they're only £10-£15.

Edited 30 July, 200719 yr by buster.g40

they're only £10-£15.

Cheers.

Now found one for £6.99 from Screwfix!

Part number 16021.

I always use a big hammer. Good clout on the side of the housing and the taper is broken and out it pops.

Now found one for £6.99 from Screwfix!

Part number 16021.

It finally worked using this cheapo splitter once I used a 'bastard' file to flatten the angled sides of the base.

Before I filed it flat, whenever I tightened the bolt the tool tilted away from the ball joint's screw thread end...

see piccy of the filed splitter.

I also used a big lump hammer to whack it into the gap between tierod and suspension mount, which split the old tierod end's rubber pillow and let grease escape, rendering the old tierod end completely unservicable, in the unlikely event that the new one wouldn't fit.

Compared to my track rod bushes the rubber was not in as bad condition as I feared.

hammer time

use 2 hammers, smack it either side at the same time, hope fuly this should get it appart providing your joint is at the right angle to come out . (old tricks are always the best)

Splitting a ball joint,do i need a ball joint splitter?

Riiiight.