Ball Joint Removal (tools)
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Ball Joint Removal (tools)
I am going at my Explorer ball joints (bearings, rotors, pads etc) for the first time (1994 4X4 with ABS sensors).
I have everything taken apart and I am trying to separate the steering knuckles from the lower ball joints. The uppers are free with camber adjusters removed etc.
Haynes says to pound the steering knuckle with a hammer to "pop" the lower ball joint loose. This doesn't seem likely to do the job as everything is rusted and seized. Haynes specifically says not to use a ball joint/tie rod end separator tool (may damage the seats). I don't see any other way to get this thing apart.
Anyone else had experience with this? Any suggestions?
I have everything taken apart and I am trying to separate the steering knuckles from the lower ball joints. The uppers are free with camber adjusters removed etc.
Haynes says to pound the steering knuckle with a hammer to "pop" the lower ball joint loose. This doesn't seem likely to do the job as everything is rusted and seized. Haynes specifically says not to use a ball joint/tie rod end separator tool (may damage the seats). I don't see any other way to get this thing apart.
Anyone else had experience with this? Any suggestions?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
I expect that by "ball joint/tie rod end separator" they are referring to a "pickle fork" The proper tool for getting those ball joints out is a C-frame press. Autozone should have them available in their loan-a-tool program or you can purchase one.
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I have the C-Frame press for pushing the ball joints out. I was trying to get the steering knuckle to release from the axle arm (at the lower ball joint).
Since the weekends are slow for responses on the FTE I took matters into my own hands and used the "pickle fork" and pounded them out. They were seized in there pretty bad. The seats look OK but I'll have to inspect again when I push out the joints (that's next weekend's project along with re-assembly).
I was trying to figure out if I could use the C-Press to push the knuckle out of the axle but I just couldn't see the configuration that was needed. Probably just me.
Can it be done? Any drawings? Remeber also mine rig is pre-95.
Thanks.
Since the weekends are slow for responses on the FTE I took matters into my own hands and used the "pickle fork" and pounded them out. They were seized in there pretty bad. The seats look OK but I'll have to inspect again when I push out the joints (that's next weekend's project along with re-assembly).
I was trying to figure out if I could use the C-Press to push the knuckle out of the axle but I just couldn't see the configuration that was needed. Probably just me.
Can it be done? Any drawings? Remeber also mine rig is pre-95.
Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
Sorry, I understood you to mean that you already had the knuckle removed from the axle. IMO, if your intention is to replace the ball joint anyway, you can't hurt anything else using a pickle fork to separate the knuckle from the axle.
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Hello mrshorty,
That's what I figured too. If it really came down to it I would have had to source a couple of knuckles from the bone yards. PITA but it could be done.
I twisted off a pinch bolt and needed a "easy out" (and a bit of luck) to get the bolt fragment out. After that I was afraid of too much brute force but eventually it seemed like there was no choice. BANG, BANG, BANG out they popped.
Thanks for the feedback.
Gil
That's what I figured too. If it really came down to it I would have had to source a couple of knuckles from the bone yards. PITA but it could be done.
I twisted off a pinch bolt and needed a "easy out" (and a bit of luck) to get the bolt fragment out. After that I was afraid of too much brute force but eventually it seemed like there was no choice. BANG, BANG, BANG out they popped.
Thanks for the feedback.
Gil
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