remove ball joint from axle
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Senior User
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remove ball joint from axle
So the upper ball joint is stuck inthe axle. There is rust, and I mean a lot. The threads were rusted away so I had to cut the nut off.
No I am looking at the washer thing on top of the axle where the ball joint goes in with the top of the ball joint flush with it (I tried pounding it down and mashed the threads and bent it.
I got the biggest pickle fork from autozone and drove it all the way in. No luck. Beat it silly with a hammer. Nada.
Any suggestions?
No I am looking at the washer thing on top of the axle where the ball joint goes in with the top of the ball joint flush with it (I tried pounding it down and mashed the threads and bent it.
I got the biggest pickle fork from autozone and drove it all the way in. No luck. Beat it silly with a hammer. Nada.
Any suggestions?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Northern California
Time to get get destructive.
if it were my problem to solve I’d cut off the ball as close to the C as practacle . Then carefully find the center of where the threaded portion of the stud was and start drilling. Obviously you want the hole centered and straight because you might have to keep drilling to a substantial size before it will knock out.
this is a good time to own quality drill bits and punches because if you break cheapies in there the next step really gets ugly.
Hint.... before you drill a pilot hole start with a sharp center punch and then us 135* split point drill bits.
if it were my problem to solve I’d cut off the ball as close to the C as practacle . Then carefully find the center of where the threaded portion of the stud was and start drilling. Obviously you want the hole centered and straight because you might have to keep drilling to a substantial size before it will knock out.
this is a good time to own quality drill bits and punches because if you break cheapies in there the next step really gets ugly.
Hint.... before you drill a pilot hole start with a sharp center punch and then us 135* split point drill bits.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,955
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From: Eastern PA
Sounds like you just need a bigger hammer. We've all been there with similar frustrations and think all hope is lost. Just have to push through. I spent 2 days getting my turbo lined up, it was a nightmare and it just wouldn't go no matter what I did. But eventually I got it, and it felt damned good.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2017
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I'd agree with drilling it out, but that's a tough process. It may be all you are able to do. But, what did you heat it with? Propane torch isn't enough, Map Gas MIGHT get you there, but there really is no substitute for oxy/acetylene. I'd heat it real good (cherry red) all around and take a big drift and a sledge to the top and drive it out. The downside is you're heating the metal pretty good on some important drivetrain parts. I can't tell from the pic, but is the top mushroomed out? If so, I'd say drilling is your ONLY option.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
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From: Wyoming
Take it to a machine shop. For a few dollars they will press the one out of c arm.
Rent a free ball joint removal tool from a parts store for the other one. Hint that's how the whole thing should have been removed.
Rent a free ball joint removal tool from a parts store for the other one. Hint that's how the whole thing should have been removed.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 3
From: Wake Forest, NC
Another option is to cut the bottom of the ball joint off and try driving the camber sleeve up (with the BJ stud still in it). Up to this point you've been trying to drive the stud down out of the camber sleeve - clearly that has been a no-go.
Good luck,
CR
Good luck,
CR
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Wow thanks for all the advice. No the top is not mushroomed out. It is cut even with the washer. And there is room around it because the PB blaster goes around the remaining pieces.
I have a press and a ball joint press, but coins not get it on with the wheel carrier in place
I have ave it on now. And every time I walk by I tighten it a little.
And im really stick because I can’t figure out how to get a wheel on to get it to the shop.
I don’t have oxyacetylene but I will go get map gas.
Anyone near akron and want to help with a front axle swap?
I have a press and a ball joint press, but coins not get it on with the wheel carrier in place
I have ave it on now. And every time I walk by I tighten it a little.
And im really stick because I can’t figure out how to get a wheel on to get it to the shop.
I don’t have oxyacetylene but I will go get map gas.
Anyone near akron and want to help with a front axle swap?