So, lesson learned.

When the pickle-fork is not seeming to be working, even with the 5-pound hammer or splitting maul, it is worth checking if the gap in the pickle-fork is wide enough.

I was trying to remove an idler arm from the center-link and I just couldn't get it to release. I then test fit the pickle-fork to the stud on the new idler arm and sure enough, it couldn't go on. The inner tips of the fork were damaged and were bent in just enough to stop the fork from going around the stud. A couple minutes of the file and when it tried it again, it came apart with one blow.

Work smarter, not harder! LOL

 

I'm wondering if that's why it didn't work for me.... I sent it to the shop lol...

 

My greatest fear is to have to take a vehicle to a shop only to have the fix be something easy. LOL

Yes, I'll admit it. My fear is based on my pride!

 

I totally get it!

 

Been there, done that! Lol.

 

And maybe a little bit of pocketbook factor!

 

Yes, and that too! LOL

 

Yeah, I wish I could say that type of thing had only happened to me once.

I can't decide if it's a saving grace or a major character flaw, but I'm way too stubborn and hate to take it to a shop as well, so I too often will just keep bashing my head against a problem until something gives. I'm sure if you'd stepped up to the 10lb hammer it would have bent the pickle fork back out and made it fit.

 

For me it's that I can screw the job up just as well as a shop can for a whole lot less.