Tips for Separating Lower Ball Joint ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Tips for Separating Lower Ball Joint ?
I'm installing some lower tubular control arms on my '81. The problem is I can't separate one of the existing lower ball joints from the spindle. I'm using the "pickle fork" method which isn't working. I've put PB Blaster on it and pounded it with a 3lb mini sledge.
What tool or technique do you guys suggest that I try to break this thing loose?
Craig
What tool or technique do you guys suggest that I try to break this thing loose?
Craig
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 226
From: PA
Had a similar problem with getting the power steering control valve and cylinder off the points where they also mate with the conical studs. Pickle fork couldn't help there since everything moved when it was hit. I guess after 40 years the parts become kind of intimate. I got a pitman arm puller at advance auto - link
Not sure it's big enough to reach around from the bottom of a ball joint stud to the over the arm, but the principle may work if you find one big enough. Even with it, I didn't just pop it off. I had it so tight I figured it might snap and hit me in the head, or worse, hit the radiator which I put a higher value on. So I left it under tension and went off to do other stuff around the yard. Any time I walked by I would squirt a little more PB on it and tighten another ooch. It finally popped.
Good luck
Not sure it's big enough to reach around from the bottom of a ball joint stud to the over the arm, but the principle may work if you find one big enough. Even with it, I didn't just pop it off. I had it so tight I figured it might snap and hit me in the head, or worse, hit the radiator which I put a higher value on. So I left it under tension and went off to do other stuff around the yard. Any time I walked by I would squirt a little more PB on it and tighten another ooch. It finally popped.
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 289
From: Chardon Ohio
one of these will fit, this is a great kit
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
Originally Posted by Dave Witman
Make sure your pickle fork is not hitting something else stopping it from going in far enough. Heat up spindle. . Use a rivit gun or air hammer if possible.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 269
Likes: 52
From: Springfield, TN
Here's a pic of a set that's available by searching for Ball Joint Separators
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I have a few of the c-shaped separators in different sizes (in the middle of the set). They work fine once you get the hang of them. Much better than a pickle fork.
I haven't tried the big one that pivots in the center, but have heard that they work really well if you have room for them.
Personally, I think the pickle fork only works well in situations where you still have spring pressure trying to pull spindle loose, like in the case of our upper joints.
If you are using it that way, be sure to leave the castle nut on, but loosened, so that it doesn't completely separate and injure anyone with a flying spring or anything else.
Good luck with your project.
-Chris
.
I have a few of the c-shaped separators in different sizes (in the middle of the set). They work fine once you get the hang of them. Much better than a pickle fork.
I haven't tried the big one that pivots in the center, but have heard that they work really well if you have room for them.
Personally, I think the pickle fork only works well in situations where you still have spring pressure trying to pull spindle loose, like in the case of our upper joints.
If you are using it that way, be sure to leave the castle nut on, but loosened, so that it doesn't completely separate and injure anyone with a flying spring or anything else.
Good luck with your project.
-Chris
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 961
Likes: 275
From: Frederick MD
I was gonna suggest getting a front end service kit. I purchased this kit a few years ago and have been super happy with it. Pickle forks work but they usually tear up the boots on ball joints or tie rod ends. I do all the work on all my cars so having a kit that won’t screw up the seals on all these new sealed for life parts as I’m working around is a must. Particularly when you have to pull a tie rod end and pop the lower ball joint to replace a strut in the small commuter car. Tool set is $100 so it’s alittle spendy but the first time you screw up a ball joint or tie rod end boot and and up having to replace because of that it will have paid for itself. http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench...rvice-set.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,422
Likes: 955
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Greatest tool in the world^^^^^^^^^^^^^^. Do not use a pickle fork since it is not the most efficient way to separate a ball joint, damages the boot, and can damage other components. The ball joint separator is awesome, effective, and allows you to remove ball joints/tie rods and reuse them if need be, with no damage to either the part or boot.....
Last edited by jb78L-82; Mar 31, 2019 at 02:30 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 979
Likes: 258
From: Maryland
Greatest tool in the world^^^^^^^^^^^^^^. Do not use a pickle fork since it is not the most efficient way to separate a ball joint, damages the boot, and can damage other components. The ball joint separator is awesome, effective, and allows you to remove ball joints/tie rods and reuse them if need be, with no damage to either the part or boot.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I've used a really big hammer on one side and a slightly smaller one on the other. Usually with a couple of good hits, they pop loose. And by really big hammer, I'm talking 8 pounds or better, and a 5 pound smaller one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,358
Likes: 1,058
From: Virginia USA
That's what I was thinking........just not using a big enough hammer. Glad you got it though.