I need to replace the balljoints to pass inspection...

I've got the passenger side torn down to the spindle, removed
all the spindle nuts and found this sensor is preventing me from
removing the spindle. I removed one long bolt from the back side
of the knuckle that goes through the sensor... but there's a second
bolt with a 12-point head that looks like it threads from the backside
of the knuckle through and into a "shield" on the front side that is
blocking the spindle. I found another topic on here that mentions
this sensor, but there's no mention of what size that bolt is.

I really hate to put it all back together and take it to a shop and pay
the $450+ to replace a $15 balljoint.

What size is this 12-point sensor bolt?

 

Don't have to remove speed sensor to remove spindle-but it sure looks like it!!Hit spindle with a deadblow hammer from side to side- I prefer block of wood and a big hammer, hit it untill your arms about fall off-some come off easy-some don't- my 95 took 45 min. of beating on , also plan on replacing upper and lower ball joints since you have to remove both anyways.

 

You don't need to remove the sensor itself but you DO need to remove the small piece of metal around it held on by that bolt. I spent a couple of hours trying to find something to work, but in the end I just got a socket slightly smaller then the head and hammered it on. Worked great.

 

dont need to remove the sensor which is an anti lock brake sensor. a block of wood and a large hammer will eventually get the job done . some are hard to break loose and some are easy. DO NOT HIT THE SPINDLE WITH A METAL HAMMER, YOU WILL TAKE THE TEMPER OUT OF IT AND IT WILL BE WEAKENED BY 75%. keep working at it it will come out. when you reinstall it make absolutely sure that there is no rust or dirt where the spindle seats to yhe knuckle or you will have a brake shimmy when you are finished.

 

well, I've been pounding on it with a 3pound plastic dead blow hammer
and a 2x4 to cushion the blows... to no avail. It looks like this metal piece
that screwy mentioned needs to come off... and I don't have the right socket
to remove it. I've been to at least 12 different stores and no one carries
12-point sockets anymore. I hate to hammer a socket on, ruin the head,
and then not be able to remove it at all. No one knows the size?

 

Drive out the bolts that you took the nuts off of,make sure after you take out shaft you drive these bolts back in first with a punch before reinstalling the shaft with a new joint.
You can smack spindle around better with these bolts out

 

Metal hammer with wood- dead blow by its self. Soak with wd-40, or pb blaster-some are very stubburn!!!Never knocked studs out but good idea!!

 

If you have a set of the little bitty craftsman wrenches, the 15/64 box end will work on the little bolt on the abs sensor. It aint fast or efficient, but it will work. That's what I used. I bet you would have to get a socket from fomoco. I sure could'nt find one. Treat the sensor with care. I found out that they're expensive if you break one.

 

I have a extra set of nuts I keep around to put on spindle to tap on. I tap on the backside of the old jam nut to make the spindle come towards me when it wants to jam side to side.
Had to use heat only once only as a last resort.It will wreck seal on back of spindle also fire hazzard

 

I used 6 point socket to remove to remove 12 point bolt-don't recall what is the size and its a holiday weekend and our dealership is closed, thats way I haven't guessed size-mine is a Snap-On socket though---Before you guys say 6 point on 12 point nut-bolt-O NO- it MUST fit tight-Ever dropped subframe on a 96 T-Bird- craziest bolts you will ever encounter- ya 6 point socket takes them out to!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

 

well, I gave up for now... luckily I can drive my mustang in the
meantime (although it's not my first choice). Trublufords, if you can
post later this week about the size that would be much appreciated.

I had a set of tiny ignition wrenches and was able to fit the 6mm box-end
(12-point) onto the bolt... but I snapped the wrench. (Of course, huh?)

So I'm guessing it really is 6mm, 12-pt. I looked online and found I could
order a socket from snap-on for $8. Still cheaper than $450+ in labor...
but I'd like to make sure before I order it. Maybe the local Ford dealer
will be able to tell me.... I'll try tomorrow. I'll post whatever I find out
because I know it will end up helping someone else later on.

Thanks for the replies
Jim

 

Jim, once you've gotten that bolt out you can also use a good chisel and tap around the mating surface of the spindle. Tap in a cross pattern until the spindle starts to separate and be careful with the ABS sensor. Good luck.

Warr

 

jimmc,those spindle's are a !@#$%.iI had to use a 12lb sledge and a 4x4 to get them off.Before I installed them I put antiseize on the back of the spindle for next time.

 

Go to CarQuest and purchase a 4WD Spindle Puller for ~ $27.00 (they are similar to the Lisle #22200). Then go to your favorite auto parts house (AutoZone, O'Reilly, etc) and rent a slide hammer - rental is 100% refundable on return. Anyways, my '85 Bronco never had the spindle removed previously, and only required 4 'pulls' on the slide hammer before the spindle came free.

 

GovGreat Idea gonna do this myself next time I run into a stuck one!
seems like some come off EZ some come off hard.
Manafacturing sizes must not always be the same on these spindles