1967 Ball Joints

[Joseph Sanfilippo]

Thanks to the guys on this board, I was able to safely remove my coil springs. Now for my next problem. I cannot get the lower ball joint to release from the steering knuckle, and I would like to know the best methods for removing riveted ball joints, and the bushings from the a arm shafts. Thanks

[Jerry Clark]

Re: 1967 Ball Joints

Joe:
grind the rivet heads off the ball joint with a wheel grinder. A press is by far the easiest way to remove the A frame bushings.
Best of luck
jerry

[Gary B.]

A long pry bar

Joseph,

To get the ball joints on my '66 to release from the steering knuckles took quite a bit of force using a very long pry bar. No way I could get them to budge with a standard pickle fork and medium sized hammer. They just wouldn't budge that way.

Gary

[Jerry Clark]

Re: A long pry bar

thanks Gary, forgot the knuckle
jerry

[Patrick T.]

Re: 1967 Ball Joints

Here is how I removed the bushings from the A arm shafts. It is the easiest way.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1967 Ball Joints

A sharp whack on the knuckle with a large hammer, perpendicular to the taper. Will release them every time.

[Craig S.]

Re: 1967 Ball Joints

Patrick - that way is fool proof! But it's outside operation only with the black rubber smoke that is already gone in your photo! Nothing like a gas axe....Craig

[Richard W.]

Suggestions re ball joint release and bushings

I had a similiar problem when the idler arm would not separate from the center link on my '63. I finally took it to a local tool/machine shop with all kinds of machines. Whatever they did, it cost me $5.

Re the bushings, I researched that a lot. In the end the answer was simple. I just walked the bushings out by holding my air chisel against the outter flange of the bushing. Took about 1 to 2 minutes per bushing. As an aside, I read that buring is dangerious because the rubber can explode (no actual knowlege).

Although you did not ask, installing the new bushings was a snap. Roughed up the bushings with sandpaper, cleaned up the hole, put some grease on the bushing and pounded the bushing in place using a 3/4 drill bit that was large enough to cover the outer flange (cost $5). Just alternate each end using the center bar to guide the bushing into place. Make sure they are going in straight.

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: Suggestions re ball joint release and bushings

I drilled holes through the rubber all around on my control arms then twisted and pryed it out with a big screwdriver. It went very quick. Eric