How do you pop the ball joint on the lower control arms in the front?

[ivj]

With a honda we had our wrench trick, but here we have 2 ball joints right next to each other, which I need to pop to take out the axle. Does anybody have any good tricks for doing it?

 

[Cesar]

well, I don't know of any trick that would separate the ball joint from the knuckle. I would just use a ball joint separator and a big hammer.

 

[ivj]

But a ball joint separator will destroy the boot and I don't want that.

 

[95 gsx]

Remove the through bolt on the other end of the control arm. There is no way to do it without destroying the rubber boot. Do the same for the compression arm. They're 17mm, good luck.

 

[92awddsm]

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Alltrade tools 648626. It can be purchased or possibly rentable from Advance auto parts.

 

[wret]

If you give the knuckle a good hard whack with a hammer, near the joint, it will often fall right out.

 

[95 gsx]

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Alltrade tools 648626. It can be purchased or possibly rentable from Advance auto parts.

The axle has to be removed first to use that, you know.

 

[95 gsx]

If you give the knuckle a good hard whack with a hammer, near the joint, it will often fall right out.

Then go to the dealership to have them replaced under recall.

 

[GVR4592]

The axle has to be removed first to use that, you know.

I'm pretty sure he's aware of that.

 

[95 gsx]

No doubt he does but I wasnt sure if his response was directed towards me or the OP? Anyway, good info nonetheless.

 

[1LE]

I haven't had any issues with destroying the boot when separating a ball joint with a properly sized pickle fork. I did destroy the boot though when I used too big of a pickle fork! You can't buy the generic one at your local Autozone. Need to buy the set with the variety of sizes and select the one that fits best.