Seperate lower ball joint

[Eric (7)]

I am wondering how to seperate the lower control arm from the knuckle's lower ball joint. Most mechanic told me use a hammer ham on the lower control arm right on the ball joint connection. I tried many time and can not seperate. Is there any trick I can seperate the loeer ball joint.
thanks

Eric

 

[Rex B]

|I am wondering how to seperate the lower control arm from the knuckle's |lower ball joint. Most mechanic told me use a hammer ham on the lower |control arm right on the ball joint connection. I tried many time and can |not seperate. Is there any trick I can seperate the loeer ball joint.
|thanks

That is the best way. Hit the bulged part where the tapered ball joint stud goes through the knuckle. Pop it good with a 2# ballpein hammer. If you can't get at it that way you will have to use a ball joint "pickle fork" wedge, This method usually destroys the boot, so plan on replacing the joint or pick up a spare boot (if available). You can buy a cheap one for $10 most anywhere.
Rex in Fort Worth

 

[fluffy]

If there's an Autozone near your place, go borrow get the balljoint puller from them. You will have to put a deposit that's equivalent to a new purchase of the puller but you get a refund when you return it after use.

I tried it with a hammer but I got scared after hitting it pretty hard and it didn't budge. Balljoint puller worked great!

 

[Sean Dinh]

I used a heavy duty pulley puller. I saw one at Autozone for $15.

 

[Mista Bone]

If you use the Autozone pitman arm puller.......the point needs ground off or it WILL collapase the ball joint threads.........

http://www.bettendorf.com/~mrbone/pictures/RR/balljointtool.JPG

To use it effectively, install it, tighten down till is just tightens up, then another 1/2 to 1 full turn. This will not "pop" the balljoint, but one swing of the hammer will.

DO NOT use the tool by itself to loosen the balljoint. YOU WILL RUIN the balljoint.

 

[fluffy]

Looks like the same tool that I used:
http://www.natalis2002.com/Honda%20Civic/driveshaftinstall_22.jpg

I've used it twice with no problem what so ever and it pops the balljoint out fine. The Honda manual calls for the hang puller which also has a pointy tip.

If you use the Autozone pitman arm puller.......the point needs ground off or it WILL collapase the ball joint threads.........

http://www.bettendorf.com/~mrbone/pictures/RR/balljointtool.JPG

To use it effectively, install it, tighten down till is just tightens up, then another 1/2 to 1 full turn. This will not "pop" the balljoint, but one swing of the hammer will.

DO NOT use the tool by itself to loosen the balljoint. YOU WILL RUIN the balljoint.

If there's an Autozone near your place, go borrow get the balljoint puller from them. You will have to put a deposit that's equivalent to a new purchase of the puller but you get a refund when you return it after use.

I tried it with a hammer but I got scared after hitting it pretty hard and it didn't budge. Balljoint puller worked great!

 

[TeGGeR®]

Looks like the same tool that I used:
http://www.natalis2002.com/Honda%20Civic/driveshaftinstall_22.jpg

I've used it twice with no problem what so ever and it pops the balljoint out fine. The Honda manual calls for the hang puller which also has a pointy tip.

Great info both of you guys (Mista B0ne and Fluffy), but can't you somehow disable your autofocus on your cameras? Perhaps by using the spot metering?

Never even thought of using a pitman arm puller.