Yank calls on way to use influence (4,7)
I believe the answer is:
pull strings
'use influence' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'yank calls on way' is the wordplay.
'yank' becomes 'pull' (I've seen this in another clue).
'calls' becomes 'rings' ('ring' can be a synonym of 'call').
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street).
'rings' put after 'st' is 'strings'.
'pull'+'strings'='PULL STRINGS'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for pull strings that I've seen before include "be manipulative" , "Use influence" , "Exert influence" , "withdraw a section of the orchestra" .)