10 replies to this topic

[fw8787]

Is there a specific tool or technique to break the lower ball joint free without destroying the boot? I have the generic amazon ball joint tool that works great on tie rod end but doesn't fit on the LBJ. Upper always pops loose with a 5lb hammer but I cannot ever get the lower to break free and always have to resort to the pickle fork which destroys the boot.

[davew]

2 hammers!!!

 

Seriously, put one hammer on the left side and strike with other hammer on right side. Kinda like those swinging ball things for on your desk. The shock load is doubled by having the extra hammer to bounce threw.

 

dave

 

No comments about swinging balls on your desk you preverts

[davew]

You did not say why you are taking the car apart. But if it is due to crash damage, just replace the ball joint. They are prone to bending and breaking at very bad times.

[Ron Alan]

And to get the "shock" a smaller hammer with a sharp blow works better than a big hammer!

[Steve Scheifler]

What Dave said about 2 hammers, preferably a heavy one behind, but it isn’t easy given the room available. It might take more than a couple swings. After a couple solid hits, put the nut (or a spare) back on to just about flush and give it a rap or two. Not enough to damage anything, just to see if the joint is about to pop and give it a little persuasion, then back to the dual hammers.

[RWP80000]

The best tool for this is one sold by OTC that I call a "see-saw".  It is about six inches wide and pivots in middle with a jack screw on one side and on the other is a thiner wedge shaped slot that slides under the spindle and between the boot. The top part sits on the ball joint stud which transmits the force from the jack screw thru the pivot to the top of the ball joint stud.  If the jack screw force isin't enough to pop it you can then hammer on the end of the tool in contact with ball joint stud.  I find this puiler works in many places you wouldnt expect and does not cut the boot.  Works on tie rods too.

[Bench Racer]

The best tool for this is one sold by OTC that I call a "see-saw".  It is about six inches wide and pivots in middle with a jack screw on one side and on the other is a thiner wedge shaped slot that slides under the spindle and between the boot. The top part sits on the ball joint stud which transmits the force from the jack screw thru the pivot to the top of the ball joint stud.  If the jack screw force isin't enough to pop it you can then hammer on the end of the tool in contact with ball joint stud.  I find this puiler works in many places you wouldnt expect and does not cut the boot.  Works on tie rods too.

Like this Rich???

 

https://shop.advance...wE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[FTodaro]

Another tool I use for all kinds of things for ball joints, half shafts and transmission work is a long stroke air hammer, i take one of the chisels and cut it flat and it will knock anything loose, or used a pointed tip on half shafts.

[luvin_the_rings]

https://www.ecstunin...AyABEgKgm_D_BwE

 

Works every time. Even when thier stuck as a mofo. 

[davew]

I have made my living by fixing cars for 40+ years. I don't own any of these tools. But I have 2 hammers that work just fine.

[ChrisA]

The best tool for this is one sold by OTC that I call a "see-saw".  It is about six inches wide and pivots in middle with a jack screw on one side and on the other is a thiner wedge shaped slot that slides under the spindle and between the boot. The top part sits on the ball joint stud which transmits the force from the jack screw thru the pivot to the top of the ball joint stud.  If the jack screw force isin't enough to pop it you can then hammer on the end of the tool in contact with ball joint stud.  I find this puiler works in many places you wouldnt expect and does not cut the boot.  Works on tie rods too.

 

I have used these and had them work and sometimes not work...  They can generate enough force to squish the threads on a stud. Leaving the nut on, toward the top of the stud, can lessen the chance of damaging the stud.