Issues with Balljoint Removal

[flyinghighlm]

Ok, so my drive shaft CV boots are shot and its starting to click, so I decided to replace the whole axel. Heres the problem the ball joint needs to come out to help me get the axel out, but I can not get the ball joint out! I have a balljoint fork, umm 2 4ft crow bars, a 4lb sledge, pb blaster and still it will not come off. I picked up a new ball joint and noticed it has a lock ring in the kit, does that have something to do with all this...how do you get a ball joint out???

 

[talon77]

No, the lock ring has nothing to do with popping out the balljoint. To get the front control arm balljoint to pop, usually what I do is first remove the top lock nut and then insert a well-greased pickle fork. Hit the pickle fork with the sledge a few times and they usually come right out.

Note that the lock ring is only important to you when it is time to remove the balljoint from the control arm. To do that (assuming you've got the balljoint to pop):
1. Pry off the rubber bj boot. Screwdriver will work just fine.
2. Use snap ring plyers to remove the lock ring.
3. Use a balljoint press to press out the bj.
4. Reverse for installing new bj.

BTW, I'm sure that you know that it is not required for you to install a new bj just to change the axle.... But if you want to, go for it dude!

 

[flyinghighlm]

No, the lock ring has nothing to do with popping out the balljoint. To get the front control arm balljoint to pop, usually what I do is first remove the top lock nut and then insert a well-greased pickle fork. Hit the pickle fork with the sledge a few times and they usually come right out.


BTW, I'm sure that you know that it is not required for you to install a new bj just to change the axle.... But if you want to, go for it dude!

I am replacing the BJ b/c the boot was dry rotted and I see no reason to reuse 15 yearold parts, not something I want to do twice,...I have been spraying the BJ with PB for past day and half so I hope that helps...I just got a 4lb sledge off a friend so thats my next best guess...damn car, its always something

 

[talon77]

I know what you mean man...

 

[eclipse2via]

If you aren't going to keep the ball joint then just get real aggressive with the picklefork and hand sledge. I remember when I did mine it was real tight and reluctant after a dozen years of coastal living.

 

[1gcrazy]

Yeah man just keep hitting it'll come off....

You could get a different type of remover also...

Advanced auto parts has a free rental program that lets you buy the kit and return it basically. It cost me 100 bucks to use it then they credited me 100 back.

It has 4 different types of removers but the one I used was this one. It uses a bolt to press the B/J down and the bottom of the hub up.

 

[HighPsi92GST]

Also, since you are changing it anyways, sometimes a little heat will help get it lose. If you have access to a torch you can heat up the metal a little then try breaking it lose again. Just don't get it too hot that you melt the metal or anything. Heating it too much can also cause both peices to swell which will make it even tighter in which case you must wait till they cool to try again. I have used the heating method a few times in the past and always works for me. But as said, since it will be replaced anyways, just get a little more aggressive with it.

 

[flyinghighlm]

Yeah man just keep hitting it'll come off....

You could get a different type of remover also...

Advanced auto parts has a free rental program that lets you buy the kit and return it basically. It cost me 100 bucks to use it then they credited me 100 back.

It has 4 different types of removers but the one I used was this one. It uses a bolt to press the B/J down and the bottom of the hub up.

I think this is my next option, thanks again...5 months to get all the tuning and motor work done now I can't drive the damn thing!!!

 

[flyinghighlm]

Update, I GOT IT! Had to remove the strut assembly, brake caliper all that crap out of the way and FINALLY it came out, damn thing was all nasty in there, thanks guys

 

[Dream On]

Damn, that's ridiculous that you had to remove so much stuff. I just use a pickle fork to get it separated, remove the snap ring, put something under the control arm, then beat the hell out of it with the biggest hammer I can find/swing. Couple smacks later, both of my fronts came out.

 

[AndrewD5418]

I am having trouble getting just the boot on.

Never mind, just got it on.