Center Link Removal

[bakercs]

Trying to get the Center Link removed prior to pulling the engine & transmission. The bolts came right off, I pulled and beat (gently) on it and nothing happened. The shop manual references a special Fiat tool. I searched the forums and found separate references to a pickle fork and a large lever.

Could someone please be more specific?

[kuhndg]

Any parts store will have this tool and its pretty inexpensive. Can also use this tool on ball joints.

[So Cal Mark]

a pickle fork will destroy the boots on the joints; fine if you're replacing a worn link. If you're reusing it, you need a small press, that looks a little like a C clamp. I think Autozone loans them out

[majicwrench]

Pickle forks are tough on things.

Big Hammer is the easiest way. DO NOT HIT THE STUD!!! Loosen nut, but leave it on the protect things. Do hit the area the stud passes thru. This will loosen the tapered fit. It takes a good solid hit. Again, despite the temptation, DO NOT HIT STUD.
THis is the method we used in a front end shop in the 70's, and I still use it today. It does take a certain skill with a hammer, is easy to destroy things if not careful.
Keith

[maytag]

a pickle fork will destroy the boots on the joints; fine if you're replacing a worn link. If you're reusing it, you need a small press, that looks a little like a C clamp. I think Autozone loans them out

I'm agreeing with Mark on this one. Plus, if you;re like me, you can add it to the collection of tools accumulating in the bottom of the tool box that you forget to return until after they've already billed your credit card and sold it to ya.....

[mdrburchette]

Mark is right. I used a pickle fork to remove my center link and I was damn lucky the thing came apart in a parking lot and not while I was driving. This is a pic of the took I found quite handy:

[wachuko]

Mark is right. I used a pickle fork to remove my center link and I was damn lucky the thing came apart in a parking lot and not while I was driving. This is a pic of the took I found quite handy:

I would like to add that to my tool box. Do you happen to know the name of it?

[wachuko]

Found it. They sell two versions

OTC 6297 BALL JOINT SEPARATOR TOOL

Strategic ITCCBJC Heavy duty ball joint separator

[mdrburchette]

You can buy a decent one for around $15 on line. Wish I still had the link, but my computer had a viral infection and had to be purged.

[baltobernie]

If you are tempted to use a hammer, remember that the steering idler is attached to one side of the center link, and they aren't cheap. Here's what I call a Pickle Fork:


...which often destroys the rubber boot when used. They come in different jaw widths; you want the narrowest that will fit. (Somebody can chime in here with the proper dimension for Fiats). The tines are usually taperd in thickness, so as you drive the fork into the joint, the wedge action separates the two items. But my favorite tool is a version of this photo that plugs into an air hammer. BZZZZT! and it's off. If you have air tools, the fork can be had cheap.

[Foster48x]

Pickle forks are tough on things.

Big Hammer is the easiest way. DO NOT HIT THE STUD!!! Loosen nut, but leave it on the protect things. Do hit the area the stud passes thru. This will loosen the tapered fit. It takes a good solid hit. Again, despite the temptation, DO NOT HIT STUD.
THis is the method we used in a front end shop in the 70's, and I still use it today. It does take a certain skill with a hammer, is easy to destroy things if not careful.
Keith

A couple of good whacks with a hammer works everytime.

[kilrwail]

You can buy a decent one for around $15 on line. Wish I still had the link, but my computer had a viral infection and had to be purged.

Denise - Here's the link - current price $17.25. The supplier is Drivewerks, which is part of Pelican Products - a really great Porsche supplier.

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/ShopC ... 0_pg43.htm

[mbouse]

well, i decided.... to cut the center link. lots faster, especially when you are replacing it anyway... and with a couple of guys standing around with their fingers in their noses, waiting for you to get the link out of the way - -you know how expensive two assistant Fiat mechanics are now-adays! cannot afford to have them standing around waiting for you to pry off a center link.

unfortunately, until i get around to completely rebuilding the front suspension, it is rather time consuming to move the car.

it's push
run to the right side and adjust the wheel
run to the left side and adjust the wheel...
repeat

[mdrburchette]

Thanks Peter! Always got my back, don't ya?

[kilrwail]

Denise - I don't think that's possible, but I'll keep trying

Mike - You need a set of these dollies for your winter project. It's a one-man job to roll the car around in order to work on the other side, then roll it next to the wall when finished.