Tie Rod End & Pitman Arm Puller

[525e34]

I have to replace my thrust arms and might do my idler arm/tie rod ends. Has anyone successfully used this tool from HarborFreight on an E34? Part # P-36861

3084

[632 Regal]

that might work, I got a different one and man what a treat to use...lets see if i can find it in 3 minutes (gotta leave)

[632 Regal]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4637677115&sspagename=STRK%3AMERFB%3AIID

[Jon K]

Nope - that does not fit over the strut base. Ask me how I know.

I made this:

http://e34.digital7.com/BMW%20Work/DSCN0578.JPG

[525e34]

Can't get any better answer than that!

[ryan roopnarine]

that won't fit, and if your thrust arm is stuck, that doesn't look like it has the ass to get it off.

jeff, that looks interesting. if yours, at this point come off easy, that looks likeit could make arm changes extra quick.

if you live in the us (you said harbor freight), and already have the pickle fork, i'd go to advance auto and rent their $79 front end service kit. if it is stuck, just use the bill r method--detach the strut plate, and either use a hammer or the advance auto kit to get it out. jon k's setup costs about $130 to rent, and didn't work for me (mine was stuck). fyi, when i say "rent", i'm referring to tools that you get 100% refunded for after returning them.

[ryan roopnarine]

ps...i just saw you write that you may be doing tierods and other suspension parts...in that case, the advance auto setup is the only way to go. it has every type of puller you'd need to take the steering part of your suspension apart, as opposed to just a single tool to deal with the thrust arms.

[Jon K]

Mine was "stuck" as was Saj3ns that I did, however what you do is spray it down with PB blaster, torque the air gun on that - I set my air gun to about 180 psi and just crank it until you feel unsafe near it. Then, leave the scene. Straight up go do something for like 10 mins. Come back, the stud will be out.

[Gene in NC]

Have a crude version from Pelican of Jeff's . Have only used on on '85 535 e28 thrust arms. Helluva struggle on left side until I discovered that plate clearance was not machined correctly and blocked the BJ coming out. Right side, with correct relief in the steering plate/arm, popped right off.

Will have chance to try it on '89 525 upper arms and prob tie tods very soon.

[yaofeng]

I have to replace my thrust arms and might do my idler arm/tie rod ends. Has anyone successfully used this tool from HarborFreight on an E34? Part # P-36861

3084

Others correctly pointed out what you want to know, that the puller won't work for you.

You may want to remove the thrust arms, the cross member, the steering arm, all of them connected to the bottom of the strut bases as one complete unit to do it. That way you can bang it loose with a four pound hammer on the garage floor. That was how I did it.

[joshua43214]

My universal ball joint separator is a great big hardened steel ball peen hammer. Works better than the softer sledge type hammers. The trick is to use very sharp blows so you don't bend parts.

[632 Regal]

http://i7.ebayimg.com/02/i/03/81/ba/6b_1_b.JPG

that was my method til i got that tool, I swear its a great part and will work on everything. Make sure if you get one to get the same one, others are similar but not the right thing. get the same part number, the similar one is too thin (will break) and dont have the receiving hole that holds the stud in place (tool will slip).


My universal ball joint separator is a great big hardened steel ball peen hammer. Works better than the softer sledge type hammers. The trick is to use very sharp blows so you don't bend parts.