Always use the right tool for the job.

I spent 3 hours yesterday pounding on my steering stabilizer. It would not come off. A nut and bolt on one end, and a nut on the other. Piece of cake, right? Had the nuts and bolts removed in about 2 minutes. I spent the next 2 hours and 58 minutes trying to free the shaft on one end from the taper it connects to on the steering.

I even read UKMyer's great write up on the OME steering stabilizer replacement from the tech section. It suggested using a "Pickle Fork" and a "BFH". I already had a BFH. I ran to the local auto parts store and picked up a joint puller thinking it was a pickle fork.

This is a pickle fork kit:



This is not:



Bottom line: You can remove the steering stabilizer with a pickle fork in about 20 seconds. You cannot remove the steering stabilizer with a joint puller. Period.

Luckily, I was able to make it to the base Auto Skills Center before it closed today. They had all the tools I needed and then some. I guess there are a few benefits to being in the military.

 

Oh ya man the Hobby Shop at fairchild rocks. I did my replacement at the hobby shop here at Lakenheath. Hey man I am trying to work an assignment to Fairchild real soon I should know anyday! And yes always use the right tool for the job!! Ask Cebby how he got his off and the resulting headaches....hahaha I ratted on ya CEbby!!!

 

It wasn't how I got it off, it's what I did to install it. (you rat )

It's all fixed now, no one SHOULD have been the wiser... Live and learn.:pat:

Hey Joey, who's truck is that in your avitar? It looks NOTHING like yours.

 

Ya ya I know. I am waiting till I got wheeling in Wales next month to get a good pic of it for my new Avatar.