I've rented those before from the auto parts stores and they are usually bent. The 'C' is curved like a gymnast's back when they stick the landing. This makes the ends not square to each other. If you do rent, check the kit to make sure it hasn't been overused/abused. It does work but if the clamp is bent it is very difficult, especially to seat them correctly when you install the ball joints.

 

Had mine press in by the shop for $5 a piece while we ate breakfast. $30 bucks all together, I did get extra bacon.

 

It looked okay. I looked at the C and the threads of the frame and screw, looked okay. Some of the parts were banged a bit, but my tools are often the same, LOL.

Mmmmm....bacon....what were we talking about?


I was planning on starting on it this afternoon, then scheduled for tomorrow am after I was going to stage the garage due to the heavy rains expected.

Instead, I dug up the driveway to replace a drain pipe. 40ft long, 2-4ft wide, moved a rock the size of a Prius...literally! Could only scoot it with the hoe, can't lift it. Case 580k isn't giant, but not a slouch. Couldn't lift with the front bucket, either. Probably weighs a good bit more than a Prius

So the pipe is in, the gravel is in, pipe is covered, but got a call for dinner before the driveway was repaired. It got dark, started raining, etc.

All this after I ran out of fuel, had to work to prime and bleed the system....AT 1/4 TANK!!! Sound familiar

I'm going to replace the line and add an open center vane electric priming pump. The line is welded in place, so it should be "interesting"

So no access to the garage without tearing up the yard with all the rain coming. If I can repair the driveway tomorrow, I'll get started afterwards. Have places to go Sat, so if not tomorrow, it will have to wait until Monday. But probably tomorrow

 

That's a deal! The knuckle was not designed to lay conveniently to use a press which makes it difficult if you are not using the ball joint tool.

 

Sounds like you have way to much stuff on your plate..................you sound like me




I agree 100%. A shop vise is a must when dealing with pressing in and out. There is a very specific amount of spacers and sizes you have to use. Normally take me about twenty mins to get it all straight before I can get going.

 

Yeah! I spent a fair amount of effort and hassle to brace it solid to press and smack with a sledge. I *might* design a holder for it. Gotta check and see how strong PLA is, could make something in the 3D Printer


Always! LOL.

Like many (most?) on here, I like doing my own work. But that means the list never shrinks, only the order gets changed around

 

I just used it a few weeks ago. It did fine. I had to make an adapter. Probably just because I'm not smart enough to figure the proper adapters in the right order.

 

LOL, I know what you mean

See if this helps. Using Ball Joint Press Instructions. Different brand, but should be the same idea

 

The O'reileys ball joint tools would not work for me. I make a deeper socket for one side
but the other side was not wide enough to let the ball joint all the way in. Took it to a shop and had mine pressed in and out.

 

Hey ExPA! I just finished this job. there's a full screw-proof writeup in my sig if you get stuck.

 

Cool, thanks!

Hey, what happened to your locking hubs? Did you forget them on the shelf?

 

I always end up with extra parts when I do a job. Don't you?

 

LOL, yep! Extra parts, a few less marbles...depends on how it went

 

This is what worked for me...

Powerbuilt Tools Ball Joint/U Joint Service Set (23 Piece) 648617: Advance Auto Parts

Free rental tool, pay listed price, full refund on return. Check tool on pickup at store to assure all parts are there and undamaged (seems like some folks abuse tools 'cause they do not know how to use properly).

This kit makes the job easy!