I couldn't disconnect outer tie rod.

I was going to try and replace my lower ball joints, but I couldn't get past the very first step, disconnecting the outer tie rod.

I watched all the videos, and they made it look like all I had to do was remove the 24mm nut and give the knuckle a few whacks with a hammer and everything would disengage.

I just couldn't make anything budge. I used liberal amounts of Blaster PB spray.

When I started hitting stuff with my 6 pound hammer that I knew shouldn't be hitting I called it a day.

Luckily, I was able to put everything back together.

I guess I'll have a mechanic do the job for me.

 

You need a ball joint separator - you can rent them for free from auto parts store - I had same issue and the separator popped it easily

 

Perfect, thanks.

I'm on my way to O'Reilly's to get one now.

 

Make sure you are not pressing the tool against rubber boot.

 

Thanks so much.

I rented a ball joint separator from O'Reilly's and it popped apart without too much difficulty.

The boot was aleady torn, it is 13 years old, and replacing the inner and outer tie rods will be my next job.

Thanks again.