Does anyone have a good way of separating the inner ball joint from the control arm, without destroying the rubber boot or ball joint? I just can't seem to get mine apart. I don't want to replace the ball joint just yet as they are in good condition.
I just hit the control arm a few times in the ball joint area with a hammer and mine came off but maybe you've tried that?
Chris, thank you for the input. I tried a hammer, lump hammer, 3 foot long breaker bar, etc, and all I got was the benefit of the exercise! :mad2: I got the outer off with no problem (with the correct tool). I took some quick measurements, and I think that I can fabricate a tool that will go thru one of the 2 1/4" diameter holes in the control arm. This will basically be "U" shaped with cut out on one arm to go around the ball joint and onto the top of the control arm, and a threaded hole in the other arm to apply pressure to the threaded end of the ball joint. Maybe if my son can tighten the tool while I hit the control arm, it will pop loose.
I don't think you can get the inner ball joint off unless you drop the subframe, and with the subframe on the floor - yes - this works just fine.
Loosen the nut from the bottom, leave it on the threads so you have something to hit. Hold a smaller hammer on the nut and hit the smaller hammer with a larger hammer. You could also try an air hammer with the hammer head attachment, but again leave the nut on a couple threads so as not to damage the shank of the stud. We have had cars that require us to destroy the inner ball joint to get it out though, so be prepared for the worst, but expect better..
Okay. I've tried a 2 foot breaker bar to pry it loose, hitting the breaker bar with a lump hammer, putting the nut on the threads and using the 2 hammer method. The end result? Yet more exercise, and a ball joint that is still attached to the control arm. :mad5: Any ideas? Bear in mind that I am using basic hand tools, with the car on jack stands.
got a plumbers blow torch? I've used one to remove ball joints. Just heat up the A arm around the joint. get is really hot then whack the A arm with a hammer.