Pickle Fork tool destroying bushing

[Artago]

Hi all,

I'm removing the lower control arms on ym TSI but they're stuck. I tried using a pickle fork to remove one arm that I'm replacing but it destroyed the bushing.

The other arms I would like to reuse so I can't destroy the bushing.

What tool do I need to remove them without killing the bushings?

Is this the right tool for the job?

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Thanks

 

[black97spyder]

take your control arms loose where they attach to the body. Then take the nut loose on the bushing/ ball joint end and wiggle the control arms back and forth so that it will break the rust loose from where the stud goes through the spindle, this should allow you to get leverage on your control arms to get them loose with out messing up the control arm and ball joint that you are trying to re use. If that isnt enough then you can take you friend the BFH and beat on the arm to get it loose. Hope this helps!!

 

[Steve93Talon]

Pickle forks are ok when you're replacing the ball joint - or at least the boot. I've used that special tool as well, and it works great if you can fit it into where you need it, which isn't always the case. The old mechanic's trick is to hit the side opposite of the ball joint/tie rod end with a hammer:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDsci-izhhc]The Easy Best Way to Separate a Ball Joint Tie Rod End How to - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Artago]

Pickle forks are ok when you're replacing the ball joint - or at least the boot. I've used that special tool as well, and it works great if you can fit it into where you need it, which isn't always the case. The old mechanic's trick is to hit the side opposite of the ball joint/tie rod end with a hammer:

The Easy Best Way to Separate a Ball Joint Tie Rod End How to - YouTube

Yeah I tried that approach before. No luck. I ordered the tool. Hopefully it will help me out.

 

[Miasma]

I wish mine went that smoothly, I destroyed almost all the boots on my ball joints taking apart my control arms for powder coating a month ago...

 

[WES_393]

I had one so badly stuck it broke a 4 ton portapower, which is basically a manual "Jaws of Life". I had to remove it all and drill out the ball joint stud. So just be prepared to at least replace the ball joint/lower control arm.

 

[Yomero]

I've seen the hammer method destroy the knuckle in pieces and the pickle fork destroying boots. The tool that I usually use is this one. The one on the far right if you can fit it in there of course. http://http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GKIDK8
You don't have to buy it. You can loan it at any advance for $100 and get your money back as soon as you finish. Win/ win situation. Plus if doesn't fit there is other options in the same package.

Sorry I just realize that my link didn't work. Let me try one more time. Powerbuilt 648626 Front End Service Kit

 

[truesk83r]

heat always helps. as long as you stay away from the rubber boot. then I thread the nut on a little and tap on that.

 

[Artago]

I ended up using the tool I bought. Worked like a charm. A little advice for anyone using it. Spray the boots with WD-40 so the tool can slide under neat it easily. Otherwise it snags and can tear the boot also. A little WD-40 on the boot solves that problem. Cheers.