Opening Ball Joints
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
Opening Ball Joints
I am trying to change the rubber boot on my 70 Vette. It was no problem breaking the lower ball joints free from their sockets but the tops are a different story. Nothing I have tried has broken them free. Any suggestions on what to do next ?
Thanks
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 836
From: WI
Do you have a suspension kit with various removers, etc? They work. Harbor Freight used to sell a similar kit.
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performa...gaAuf5EALw_wcB
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performa...gaAuf5EALw_wcB
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,404
Likes: 1,595
From: Western NY
If I recall correctly, there's a "flat" or square looking point on the spindle, just below where the b/j slips in. This "flat" is where you give the spindle a strong whack with a hammer, to loosen it's hold on the shaft of the b/j.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 537
I was fighting with mine all weekend. Wish I had that kit posted above. Think AutoZone or the like will rent them to you. One guy on here (CF) said he used a pneumatic needle gun(?) with a pointed tip on the tip of the stud. Vibrated it right off.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 836
From: WI
You can find a flat round-headed air hammer bit for a pneumatic air hammer and it'll pop tie rod ends right off (if you can get 'square' on them). The tool kit is much more 'controlled'. Lot of parts stores rent them out ..actually most don't even charge for the use!
Last edited by Mark G; Feb 18, 2020 at 01:42 PM.
