I'm looking to add a ball joint press/remover to my toolbox. Which one? Do I need adapters?

I'd like to order online, don't really enjoy spending an hour on the road to have some clueless person give me a blank stare, Lol.

Here's one I found on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Joint-Ser.../dp/B01BUI5VCW




Although I usually make my own tools, it is getting cold here quickly and LOTS to do before winter. I have the front drivers side parts ready to go on, but a tool like this could be very helpful

Would this work on our Excursions/Superduty? Do I need any other adapters?

Is it heavy enough for a couple of vehicles? Not running a shop, but have E350, my Excursion, and now F550 to do. Hence the tool "need"

I'd like to order one ASAP.

Thanks!

 

When I see a tool of that caliber for a low price like that I get leery of it. Not that I'm right, just my thoughts. Tools like that are available for loan at Pep Boys, Advance Auto et al if you're not too remotely located to have them nearby.

 

I was gonna order the same one. I have rented the ones from autozone a couple times and have never had any issues. It's on my list too.

 

I called the nearest auto repair place to me and they happily r & r the ball joints with a hydraulic press. Cost? $40.00 and in this case, they did while I waited.

 

Yeah, that's a cheap tool. It's probably OK for a handful of uses, but I personally hate using cheap tools. I scored and picked up a Mac ball joint press off ebay a few years ago for $80. It's very high quality and I've used it a few times.

The other option, as someone else said, is to take the steering knuckle to a shop and have them do it. If you're only doing it a few times, it's probably easier and cheaper.

 

+1

I have a similar set which I bought off of eBay, which is probably sourced from the same supplier in China. I bent one of the cups while removing the lower ball joint. The seller sent another cup free of charge but that one bent also. The C-Clamp seems to be OK quality wise but the cups are definitely not up to the task for doing larger ball joints.



Before my storage unit was broken into and all of my tools stolen, I had the OTC ball joint set. The cups were made out of slightly thicker gauge metal and I never had any issues with any of the cups folding like that.

 

After renting the tool kit from Advance Auto several times, I just kept it the last time. It's also really handy when doing u-joints on the drive shaft!

 

I called Advance Auto today. They do loan the tool, something like $225, then refund your money whenever you bring it back.

I'd hate to borrow and use a cheap tool, though, for that kind of dough. Don't know what they loan.

I can only find OTC with SLOW shipping. I didn't plan far enough ahead, now I want to get it done

I take that back. For an EXTRA $40, I can get it Prime shipping

 

Autozone has "OEM BRAND" with 3 adapters for $115 loaner, up to 90 days.

Might end up being a keeper, if it's good quality?

Anyone with experience of this brand?

 

I have used this brand. As long as you didn't get one that somebody abused you should be fine. I have used this many times and it has done the job just fine.

 

Perfect, thanks!

 

Hey ExPA, I just rented one of these (different brand, better looking cups) from Oreillys for free. Something to think about. You pay a deposit of $124.00 and they give it all back when you return the tool.

I knew I didn't plan to do this job more than once or twice so I didn't even think about buying one outright. Also, this way if I bust it all up I can just return it and no problems.


Good luck!

 

Thanks

FYI. I picked up the rental tool from Advance Auto. Looks like a fairly complete kit, hard used, but probably okay. About $250.

I'm planning to do the work between now and Saturday am. Depending if Amazon ever delivers the NEXT DAY shipment ordered on Monday

 

I rented the tool from O'Reilly as well, wasn't perfect but it worked.

One thing I had to pick up was different zerk fittings for the upper joints. The ones that came with my MOOG wouldn't clear. I had to get some angled ones. That reminds me, about time to grease my ball joints.

 

Thanks! I have Spicer, no grease fittings