How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

[Brian E.]

[Terry M.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

Brian

Kent Moore makes several tools to separate the ball joints from the spindle. I just got this one from that large auction site, but there are others. One of them is Kent Moore 6446 (This one is older than the J-xxx numbers). There is one with a J number, but I will have to dig that one out of storage for you.

Either of those tools will pop the ball stud out of the spindle neatly and cleanly without damage to the boot.

[Gary B.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

Terry,

I think the newer ball jt removal tool Kent-Moore tool is J-8806.

Gary

[Paul D.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

Maybe considered too crude by many on this forum, but I have always been successful by loosening the nut a few rounds and then applying a few sharp blows to the spindle right where the ball joint pin passes through, all this while the lower control arm is under tension from the spring. Chip.

[Richard G.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

I made a 1" diameter slug that was blind threaded on one end to match the thread on the joint.
I also put in a dimple on the opposite side. This is for a center of a two jaw puller.
Most the time I can get it loose with the puller. Sometimes I smack it with a hammer.
In both cases it protects the threaded portion from damage.
Rick Geier

[Gerald C.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

I went to Harbor Freight and bought their ball joint removal tool for $10.00 and it works like a charm without damaging the boots. Just get ready to play "JacK in the Box" when it's ready to pop! No injuries at all!

[Alan D.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

I used the Harbor Freight selection of 5 pullers, think I used only 2 of them but no ruined boots.

[Patrick B.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

Maybe considered too crude by many on this forum, but I have always been successful by loosening the nut a few rounds and then applying a few sharp blows to the spindle right where the ball joint pin passes through, all this while the lower control arm is under tension from the spring. Chip.

I have used this method with great success many times. Back up the left side of the spindle hole with a heavy hammer and wack the right side of the spindle hole with another hammer (for a right handed person). A couple of wacks and it is free. The spring tension helps but this method works even without the assistance of spring tension.

[Brian E.]

Re: How to remove AND preserve ball joints?

Thanks guys for all your helpful suggestions and experiences.