Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Bojan on 03 March 2017, 07:25:41

Title: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bojan on 03 March 2017, 07:25:41
Gentleman,

how do you split tapers when you change tie-rods?
Do you use splitting tools (there are several variants)?
Or do you use a hammers (two hammers on the 'eye' part, or hammer on nut with other as counterweight)?

I've planed to borrow a splitting tool, but apparently nobody uses them - everybody uses hammers.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: BazaJT on 03 March 2017, 07:46:23
I've tried the two hammer way and never had much success,so personally I use a splitter,but of course it's each to their own.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Nick W on 03 March 2017, 07:59:39
Gentleman,

how do you split tapers when you change tie-rods?
Do you use splitting tools (there are several variants)?
Or do you use a hammers (two hammers on the 'eye' part, or hammer on nut with other as counterweight)?

I've planed to borrow a splitting tool, but apparently nobody uses them - everybody uses hammers.


Hammers, are easier, more effective, quicker and you own them already.
It does take a heavy blow, not a light tap. Hit the eye, not the joint.


Track rods probably won't need a second hammer.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: terry paget on 03 March 2017, 08:07:47
I have used 2 hammers in the past, but if there is a better, easier, safer, way of doing a job, I go for it. Some Omega steering and suspension joints are jolly hard to get apart, like the idler arm, with its limited access.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: X30XE on 03 March 2017, 08:11:08
I've tried the two hammer way and never had much success,so personally I use a splitter,but of course it's each to their own.

Likewise.  I have both the fork and the screw-y type splitters. Downside is the fork type destroys the rubber boot and the srew one doesn't always fit :(

Also don't be tempted to clout the end of the threaded pin with a hammer if refitting the link. You'll destroy the thread and create another hours work.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: TheBoy on 03 March 2017, 08:25:03
I use a splitter for TREs (the type with bolt, not fork type), and 2 hammers for idler etc
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Lazydocker on 03 March 2017, 08:27:54
Used properly and carefully, the fork type is very effective and doesn't always (think I've only split 1 in the last 4 years and that was a ballpoint that was being binned anyway!) split the boot... But mine is a good quality one, not a cheap one.

I've never had much success with the 2 hammer method, probably because I've not been patient enough.  ::)
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bojan on 03 March 2017, 08:44:06
I'm fitting new links.
So damage to the thread or boots is not a problem.

BTW, how heavy hammers do you use?
I'll probably taka 0,5kg.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: TheBoy on 03 March 2017, 08:47:51
I'm fitting new links.
So damage to the thread or boots is not a problem.

BTW, how heavy hammers do you use?
I'll probably taka 0,5kg.
I use a pair of 4lb (approx 2kg)
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Nick W on 03 March 2017, 08:54:19

Likewise.  I have both the fork and the screw-y type splitters. Downside is the fork type destroys the rubber boot and the srew one doesn't always fit :(



I have a couple of different fork splitters, and both screw types, but haven't used them in years.
A club hammer(and 0.5kg is too small) is less work.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: X30XE on 03 March 2017, 08:58:31
Would be good to master the art of tw-a-tting them out with a hammer... however my neighbour likes to glare out of his window at me at the best of times, let alone when I'm leathering seven shades out of a metal object  ;D
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 March 2017, 10:44:09
Would be good to master the art of tw-a-tting them out with a hammer... however my neighbour likes to glare out of his window at me at the best of times, let alone when I'm leathering seven shades out of a metal object  ;D
After 17 years of shit cars, mine are pretty tolerant 8) Apart from the rsol two doors down who thinks it's acceptable to leave a mates car across the drive whilst they sod off skiing for a week >:( but then they only moved in last autumn...
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bojan on 03 March 2017, 11:42:39

Hammers, are easier, more effective, quicker and you own them already.
It does take a heavy blow, not a light tap. Hit the eye, not the joint.


Track rods probably won't need a second hammer.

Just one hammer? What do you hit?

I se that some hit the top of the thread (of the tie rod that is being renewed), while some hit the eye (center rod or wheel arm).
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bigron on 03 March 2017, 13:02:51
No need to hammer away for half a day; it usually takes one or two hits! The secret is to have a heavy (I use a 4 pound club hammer) BEHIND the joint and hit with another, lighter (not too light) hammer at the front. That way, most of the force goes into "popping" the joint and not moving it away from the blows.

Ron.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bojan on 03 March 2017, 13:12:00
No need to hammer away for half a day; it usually takes one or two hits! The secret is to have a heavy (I use a 4 pound club hammer) BEHIND the joint and hit with another, lighter (not too light) hammer at the front. That way, most of the force goes into "popping" the joint and not moving it away from the blows.

Ron.

Yes, this is what i meant by 'counterweight' in my first post.  :y
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 March 2017, 14:19:04
Note to the BMWists, budget for a new hub carrier when the inserts come out :-X
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 03 March 2017, 15:24:49
I use a splitter for TREs (the type with bolt, not fork type), and 2 hammers for idler etc

Same here. Works well for me.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 03 March 2017, 15:25:45
I'm fitting new links.
So damage to the thread or boots is not a problem.

BTW, how heavy hammers do you use?
I'll probably taka 0,5kg.
I use a pair of 4lb (approx 2kg) as there is no access for Sammy.  :y
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bojan on 04 March 2017, 16:19:14
Feedback: did it whit two hammers for outside rod; hammere and crowbar for inner rod.

Outside were dead easy - it took a two sharp blows per side.
Inner ones were tricky - not enough place to swing a hammer nicely. In the end, i've backed up thh central rod with ceowbar, and hammered out the tie rod.
Title: Re: tie-rod tapper spliting
Post by: Bigron on 04 March 2017, 18:36:32
I'm glad you've got it done, but without "hammering the point" (groan?), you don't need to take an almighty swing at it; if you have a really heavy (minimum 3-4 pounds)  hammer as an anvil behind the joint, a few rapid, sharp taps will pop the joint.

Ron.