I have about five "stilson type " pipe wrenches from one about 3ft long down to a small one that is excellent for removing rounded off rusty brake pipe unions from wheel cylinders.
Yes it is a fairly standard use for Stilsons, although probably easier over a garage pit or under a ramp.
That's good advice, I can see all of that will help, so I'll do that!Yes it is a fairly standard use for Stilsons, although probably easier over a garage pit or under a ramp.
However I have done them in similar situations as yours, what I would do is refit the track rod with it's retaining nut to give it some support and put the steering on full lock so you can work outside the wheel arch as much as possible, then put the stilson on the inner end to unwind from the track rod end rather than trying to hold the inner and turn the outer, if you see what I mean.
Having said all this even though I know you have oiled the threads often it mat still need heating up or even the banging between two decent hammers to free the threads inside the track rod end.
If the car is well supported as high as is safe then you will get more access with the stilson especially if using an extension.
That may test the quality of the tool.
Further to the wrap around action bit , if you take your right hand and make a backwards C shape trying to grip something you may see as you move your arm down it tightens but is less effective if you move upwards.That's good advice, I can see all of that will help, so I'll do that!
It was also interesting to hear that the stilsons have a self tightening mechanism which I didn't anticipate, having not used them in recent years.
I can try heat if this doesn't work, but I'd like to exhaust the stilson option first.
I suppose if the tool isn't up to it then i'll find out, it does look sturdy though, so i'm hopeful.
The last lot of tie rod ends on another Punto of this age needed the steering wrack off the car and me stood (carefully) on the inner tie to shift. So i'm prepared for a struggle
I had to read a few times for this to sink in, but I get it now. I think this means... for example with an open end spanner, put the longer end of the spanner on top and push down for maximum power. And I should do the same with the stilson to get it to tighten most effectively.
Exactly, it's hard to visualise until you put it into action.
The penny just droppedExactly, it's hard to visualise until you put it into action.
With the Stilson if you pushed upwards it wouldn't grip at all as it actually opens the jaws.
You will soon see when you put it into use.
Thanks.
Re the track rod end nut, first oil the threads around the nut , then place a bar under the bottom of the suspension McPherson strut so that it presses firmly down on the top of the track rod end above the nut, this has the effect of locking the taper allowing you to undo the nut.I started the job this morning and its not gone so well, as usual lol
The nut holding the tie rod end to the carrier came off just fine last time, but now its spinning in place. I've been trying to get some pliers to hold it while i loosen the nut, but i don't have thin enough pliers. I may have to cut the thing off with an angle grinder now.
I've had a go at turning the outer tie rod with the two stilsons I have, but its not budged so far! They're happily chewing the edges of the outer tie rod though
Thoughts ?
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As my friend used to say,"you can't put a price on knowledge".That crow bar technique worked! Amazing!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a garage of old tools like that, when looking for one I will find something I was looking for weeks earlier.
