.:HSTuners::

*pdiggitydogg* · 03-30-2005, 10:54 PM

So, I know a lot of us have issues with the front lower ball joint. They are known to be a HUGE pain in the ass to remove. Most of us probably bash the hell out of the lca to pop the joint, use a gear puller, or even a pickle fork to pop the joint out; either of which will deform the threads or tear the boot, rendering the part damaged or even useless.

I have come across a new way of doing things that makes MUCH more sense. When I did my tranny work (isb/clutch) I tried this out and was simply amazed at how much more superior is it to anything else Ive done.

Here's how its done:
After removing the wheel, jacking up the car, and loosening the ball joint nut 1/4 down, jack up the lca and place a 1/2" drive craftsman ratchet (perfect size), the wide way vertical, between the gap that is created with the arm and the bottom inside lip of the knuckle.
When you let the jack down the springs/shocks will press down on the lca, which presses fully on the ratchet = press on the knuckle = pops the joint EASY. If it doesnt come out just by lowering the jack down, just hop yourself up on your caliper and that definately will pop it.
Loosening the ball joint nut down about 1/4 way, makes it so you dont totally destroy the threads when the joint pops.

Like I said, I have done all kinds of things to pop the lower joint before, and this method is FAR superior. Nothing breaks and it requires zero effort. Those that still use a pickle fork, I suggest you try it.

ShEaNy · 03-31-2005, 02:48 PM

interesting....i will have to try that....

93sleeper · 04-04-2005, 09:31 AM

thank for the info.im replacing my ball joints this weekend & this will realy help out.

*pdiggitydogg* · 04-04-2005, 12:11 PM

I should move this to the step by step section...

ebpda9 · 04-04-2005, 12:38 PM

what happened to whacking it with 2 hammers at once ? they pop instantly

*pdiggitydogg* · 04-04-2005, 02:55 PM

Pff Ive tried that method too....it took more than once...
Work smarter, not harder.

thermal · 04-04-2005, 07:23 PM

ha ha.... I've done that shit before but I thought I just got lucky. Now I just hammer the fuk out of that pressure point and it comes out.... or use a dang pickle fork covered in grease.

I'm gonna try that on my Teg tho since I'm taking my rotors apart.

03-30-2005, 10:54 PM	#1
pdiggitydogg Yahoo Watashi wa kattaze! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Meanwhile, up in The D... Age: 41 Posts: 10,579	Front Lower Ball Joint popping made easy So, I know a lot of us have issues with the front lower ball joint. They are known to be a HUGE pain in the ass to remove. Most of us probably bash the hell out of the lca to pop the joint, use a gear puller, or even a pickle fork to pop the joint out; either of which will deform the threads or tear the boot, rendering the part damaged or even useless. I have come across a new way of doing things that makes MUCH more sense. When I did my tranny work (isb/clutch) I tried this out and was simply amazed at how much more superior is it to anything else Ive done. Here's how its done: After removing the wheel, jacking up the car, and loosening the ball joint nut 1/4 down, jack up the lca and place a 1/2" drive craftsman ratchet (perfect size), the wide way vertical, between the gap that is created with the arm and the bottom inside lip of the knuckle. When you let the jack down the springs/shocks will press down on the lca, which presses fully on the ratchet = press on the knuckle = pops the joint EASY. If it doesnt come out just by lowering the jack down, just hop yourself up on your caliper and that definately will pop it. Loosening the ball joint nut down about 1/4 way, makes it so you dont totally destroy the threads when the joint pops. Like I said, I have done all kinds of things to pop the lower joint before, and this method is FAR superior. Nothing breaks and it requires zero effort. Those that still use a pickle fork, I suggest you try it.

04-04-2005, 12:38 PM	#5
ebpda9 Repost Wagon Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: over here Age: 44 Posts: 17,266	what happened to whacking it with 2 hammers at once ? they pop instantly __________________

04-04-2005, 07:23 PM	#7
thermal Banning Machine Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: My Garage, Va. Posts: 5,547	ha ha.... I've done that shit before but I thought I just got lucky. Now I just hammer the fuk out of that pressure point and it comes out.... or use a dang pickle fork covered in grease. I'm gonna try that on my Teg tho since I'm taking my rotors apart. __________________ Project Teg Visit the Turbo Forum

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03-31-2005, 02:48 PM	#2
ShEaNy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Winnipeg, MB Age: 40 Posts: 3,821	interesting....i will have to try that....

04-04-2005, 09:31 AM	#3
93sleeper Parked Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: texas Age: 40 Posts: 14	thank for the info.im replacing my ball joints this weekend & this will realy help out.

04-04-2005, 12:11 PM	#4
pdiggitydogg Yahoo Watashi wa kattaze! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Meanwhile, up in The D... Age: 41 Posts: 10,579	I should move this to the step by step section...

04-04-2005, 02:55 PM	#6
pdiggitydogg Yahoo Watashi wa kattaze! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Meanwhile, up in The D... Age: 41 Posts: 10,579	Pff Ive tried that method too....it took more than once... Work smarter, not harder.