problems pressing out the ball joint
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problems pressing out the ball joint
99 150 5.4 4x4
I'm changing lower ball joints and have gotten it dissasembled all except the Ball joint itself will not press out. I have the tool from auto zone, but we turn and turn and it just won't break loose. We've already broken one breaker bar and now have gotten to the point where we have a 4 foot pipe on the end for leverage. Any ideas how to get this thing out? I'm afraid to turn it anymore.
I'm changing lower ball joints and have gotten it dissasembled all except the Ball joint itself will not press out. I have the tool from auto zone, but we turn and turn and it just won't break loose. We've already broken one breaker bar and now have gotten to the point where we have a 4 foot pipe on the end for leverage. Any ideas how to get this thing out? I'm afraid to turn it anymore.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
Dave, make sure the cup you are using is larger than the ball joint.
I know that sounds stupid, but the the ball joint has a large flange around it, where it fits up under the control arm.
I made the mistake of using too small a cup as well, and only realized what I was doing when it wouldn't go any further.
I had to look closely at it, because the aftermarket ball joint didn't have as large a flange, so it threw me off at first.
If this advice is irrelevant, try heating the lower control arm as hot as you van get it with a torch. I would only use a hand torch, not a heat wrench as it would be too easy to alter the temper of the lower control arm.
Good luck, and hope this helps.
I know that sounds stupid, but the the ball joint has a large flange around it, where it fits up under the control arm.
I made the mistake of using too small a cup as well, and only realized what I was doing when it wouldn't go any further.
I had to look closely at it, because the aftermarket ball joint didn't have as large a flange, so it threw me off at first.
If this advice is irrelevant, try heating the lower control arm as hot as you van get it with a torch. I would only use a hand torch, not a heat wrench as it would be too easy to alter the temper of the lower control arm.
Good luck, and hope this helps.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,931
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take the snap ring off the top. slide a pipe or big socket over the bottom and support with a stack of boards or block. wire brush the top of the ball socket case at the fitting and soak with penetrating oil. get a 1 inch diameter bar about a foot long. point it at the joint and tilt outside the fender well. smack with a 5 pound hammer. about the 50th time you hit it, it will start to move, then comes easier. if you mushroom over the edge of the ball joint case, you need to grind it back to a smaller ID so it goes thru the hole. did both mine this way. did not use a press.
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Tunrs out I was pressing into the smaller size receiver cup. Once I got the right size one on there it came right out. Improved the ride so much that I will do the other side as well. Thanks for the help guys.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Coal country
I bit the bullet and bought the basic ball joint press set from Advance Auto for a C-note - but other places sell them as well.
Most of the fast parts stores (ha, ha, get it? instead of fast food fast parts??) will rent you the tool for free. You "buy" it form them used, and then get your depositback when you return it. I have 4 vehicles, and decided the tool was worth it. I also do pro bono work for folks in our church, since I make my living at computers instead of mechanics.
Yes, the same tool is used to press the ball joints back in, and it works very nicely that way also.
Most of the fast parts stores (ha, ha, get it? instead of fast food fast parts??) will rent you the tool for free. You "buy" it form them used, and then get your depositback when you return it. I have 4 vehicles, and decided the tool was worth it. I also do pro bono work for folks in our church, since I make my living at computers instead of mechanics.
Yes, the same tool is used to press the ball joints back in, and it works very nicely that way also.
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