you stated the obvious and easy answer. the thing is tapered, like tie rod ends. i don't think you've been here long enough to have seen my "glory days" where almost every answer i gave involved a hammer---a b.f. hammer as a matter of fact, this one does. NEVER HAMMER THE END OF THE BOLT---IT AIN'T GONNA WORK! hammer the sides of the piece that holds the tapered end. think of it this way. the tie rods bolts to a part of the spindle. the tapered end of the tie rod is threaded on the end, and held secure by a retaining bolt. NEVER HIT THE THREADED END! hit the side of the spindle, not the tie rod. the hammering opens and closes the spindle piece by a microscopic amount, and the shock pushes the tie rod out. it's easy, quick and has never failed me. i've worked with guys that have bought expensive pullers who have walked away cussing when they see me do this. by the same token--they cuss like hell when i pop out king pins using the weight of the vehicle instead of the press they spend 200 bucks for. not bad for a guy that ain't that bright.
