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Simple ball joint separator
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Simple ball joint separator
I had to separate my lower A arm from the spindle last week in order to remove the front spring. Instead of using a pickle fork to separate the ball joint which I don't like doing because it can tear the grease seal, I used a 5 1/2" long 7/16 bolt with a coupler. Total cost at OSH was under $4.00. The bolt is placed between the upper ball joint stud and the lower ball joint nut which has been loosened. Simply unscew to coupler and the assembly will expand pushing the lower ball joint stud away from the spindle. The picture was taken after the fact, hence the cottor pin. Hope this helps someone. Willie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
If I didn't have an assortment of 3 jaw pullers that would be a cool idea.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 951
Likes: 3
From: Placerville CA
Or you could use a torch to heat the steering knuckle where the ball joint stud goes through, and then hit the stud a good rap with a hammer and brass drift. Mine popped right out, and didn't require a lot of heat.
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Actually, I did mention just to loosen the nut.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
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I've used this method on another car, and it does work well. If the BJ doesn't pop right away, just whack the side of the control arm beside the stud (with a brass hammer) while the bolt is under tension.
This tool also works well to pry open your wallet if you get work done at a dealership.
This tool also works well to pry open your wallet if you get work done at a dealership.
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,990
Likes: 2
From: Gaithersburg MD A member since 2007 but then the computer crashed and then the car crash loss of memory X 2
I had to separate my lower A arm from the spindle last week in order to remove the front spring. Instead of using a pickle fork to separate the ball joint which I don't like doing because it can tear the grease seal, I used a 5 1/2" long 7/16 bolt with a coupler. Total cost at OSH was under $4.00. The bolt is placed between the upper ball joint stud and the lower ball joint nut which has been loosened. Simply unscew to coupler and the assembly will expand pushing the lower ball joint stud away from the spindle. The picture was taken after the fact, hence the cottor pin. Hope this helps someone. Willie
Chrome it, market it for $ 49.95.
Free Enterprise rules !
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
