often thinner than normal so they can fit in tight spots. Some alignment wrenches are
self-contained; others are designed to be used with a ratchet.
Ball joint and tie-rod end removal tools.
Many ball joint and tie-rod end removal tools
are screw-type pullers with two or more arms that fit around the part. Tightening the
central screw on the tool forces the tie-rod stud from the associated part. A variation of
this tool expands between the stud and an adjacent component to remove the stud from
the associated part.
A fork-shaped tool with two pointed tines is often used to remove a ball joint stud from a
part. This tool is usually called a pickle fork. The fork section is inserted between the
ball socket fitting and the linkage part. Hammering on the end of the tool forces the fork
between the parts, breaking them loose.
Coil spring compressor.
A coil spring compressor must often be used to compress
coil springs during removal and installation. If the springs are not compressed before
the fasteners are removed, the suspension parts will fly apart with great force. On most
vehicles, an uncompressed coil spring cannot be reinstalled. Two types of coil spring
compressors are required to service coil springs: the MacPherson strut spring
compressor and the conventional spring compressor.
•
MacPherson strut compressor.
The MacPherson strut compressor is used to
remove springs from the MacPherson strut assemblies. It mounts to the wall of
the shop or workbench. To use this type of spring compressor, the strut
assembly must be removed from the vehicle and placed in the compressor. The
compressor is tightened to remove spring tension from the top mounting bolt.
The strut assembly can be replaced and the tension removed.
•
Conventional spring compressor.
The conventional spring compressor is used
on conventional or short-long arm suspension systems. It is installed before the
spring is removed from the vehicle. Once the spring is compressed, fasteners
holding the ball joints or other suspension parts can be removed. A new spring
must generally be compressed before it is installed. After all parts are in place,
the compressor is loosened and the spring expands into place.
Bushing installers.
Bushing installers are used to install and remove bushings in
control arm, strut rods, and stabilizer bars. Some installers are round drivers. Drivers
are used with a hammer to drive bushings in control arms, strut rods, or stabilizer bars.
Another type of bushing installer resembles a large C-clamp with adapters. The bushing
is placed in the installer and the screw is tightened to force the bushing into the part.
Hammers.
Hammers are used to loosen parts and to drive bushings and seals into
place. Typical hammers used are ball peen, soft face, or rubber mallet. It is important to
use the proper hammer for the job. Select a hammer that is large enough for the job.
Never use claw hammers or other woodworking hammers for automotive service.
Inner tie-rod tools.
The inner tie rods of most rack-and-pinion gears are threaded
directly into the rack. To remove the tie rods, an inner tie-rod tool is used. This tool is a
tube with a slotted opening on one end and a
�
-inch drive fitting on the other end. After
removing the outer tie rod, bellows, and any locking pins at the rack, place the inner tie-
rod tool over the inner tie rod. Turn the tool with a
�
-inch wrench to remove the tie rod.
Most inner tie-rod tools can also be used to install a new inner tie rod.
Lever-type adjusting tool.
To move the control arms on various vehicles, a lever-type
adjusting tool is needed. The tool is typically attached to the control arm and the frame.
NAVEDTRA 14050A
9-17