# Steering knuckle removal

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/steering-knuckle-removal/4039>\
**Category:** The Show\
**Created:** [September 2, 2007, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/steering-knuckle-removal/4039 "2007-09-02T15:48:50Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![markthecarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a3d4f5/32.png) [@markthecarp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/markthecarp)\
**Post date:** [September 2, 2007, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/steering-knuckle-removal/4039/1 "2007-09-02T15:48:50Z")

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When I was in a parts store complaining about having to use a “pickle fork” to get the steering linkage apart a fellow shopper told me a tip that I found elegant. He told me that all I had to do was tap the knuckle and it would come apart. It may take many many taps but the fact that this is a tapered press fit allows for even the most minuscule movement caused by the tapping of the knuckle to eventually separate the parts with no damage to boots or threads.  
  
  
  
 I surprised to hear that during a call to this week’s show the guys didn’t mention this technique to the caller. Perhaps because brute force or impatience indicated the gross approach.

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**Author:** ![TwinTurbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8baadc/32.png) [@TwinTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwinTurbo)\
**Post date:** [September 3, 2007, 3:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/steering-knuckle-removal/4039/2 "2007-09-03T03:05:08Z")

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You’re definition of elegant is quite a bit different than mine. In fact, “tapping” many, many times with a hammer is exactly the opposite of elegance. Smacks of knuckle dragging IMO.

The “correct” read-neck method involves TWO hammers and good timing. A pickle fork is the next step up on the evolutionary chain. Pry open that wallet and get a two jawed separator for about $15 and eliminate the risk of damage altogether.