Transverse link bolt stuck in steering knuckle!

I am trying to replace the front axles on a 1995 Nissan Altima because the CV boots are shot on both sides. I have everything apart and almost ready to pull the old axles out, but I cannot get the transverse link to separate from the steering knuckle on the wheel assembly! HELP! I have taken the nut and cotter pin off the transverse link bolt, but I cannot get the darn thing to slip out of the knuckle. I tried following the <vague> Chilton's guide, which says bang on the knuckle with a hammer. Well, I've been banging away with no luck.

Any suggestions???

Thanks!

Welcome to this forum, Shektbg, I hope you will enjoy it and find it useful

This may sound very unconventional but I can't help thinking why don't you use a losening spray, something like WD-40 ?

Use a ball joint separator tool. Put the fork end around the bolt and bang the end until it separates. I have a 97 altima and had to use this tool, it would not come apart with a hammer alone. You could also use a puller.