I was taught that you need to combine two things: an axial force, and an impact which might be either lateral or longitudinal. I've removed car tie rod ends with two hammers, but it took a while. Using a tie rod end remover is quicker and gentler: you use the remover to apply an axial force, then smack either the end of the remover (axial force) or the two opposite sides of the tie rod simultaneously (lateral force). I've used wedges to achieve the same outcome: load it with the wedge, then smack the end of the tie rod end thread.
I once had a real problem removing the rear hub from a car: it was on a taper, with a key, and was a good size since it was on a car. I tried a big puller, applying a massive force with no effect on anything. My father wandered by and told me I needed an impact to supplement the axial force from the puller. I took a three pound hammer and gave the end of the puller screw one medium-sized thump. Puller and hub flew across the yard and hit the wooden fence about 8 feet away with a massive impact. Works for me. Hint: don't expect a puller alone to work: you need the impact as well.
