Ball Joint MESS
09-04-2011, 05:49 PM
#1
3rd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 580
Ball Joint MESS
I have an air hammer with pickle forks and can't remove my spindle/steering knuckle from the car. I've strained my arm trying to beat the pickle fork extension with a hammer. I have a huge gash on my hand.
How do I get this thing off. I guess maybe I need a stronger air hammer?
How do I get this thing off. I guess maybe I need a stronger air hammer?
09-04-2011, 07:47 PM
#5
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: California
Posts: 10,468
Don't use pickle forks, they suck.
Go get a real ball joint remover. Napa and others have one that looks like a big fat pair of blunt scissors(sort of) with a fork on one side and an arm on the other with a big *** bolt in it. Slip it on and tighten the bolt to pry the arms apart and separate the ball joint. That's what I use, just tighten it up really good and give it one or 2 good whacks with a hammer and they pop right out.
Pickle forks rarely work, and never work well(unless the joint is already loose).
Go get a real ball joint remover. Napa and others have one that looks like a big fat pair of blunt scissors(sort of) with a fork on one side and an arm on the other with a big *** bolt in it. Slip it on and tighten the bolt to pry the arms apart and separate the ball joint. That's what I use, just tighten it up really good and give it one or 2 good whacks with a hammer and they pop right out.
Pickle forks rarely work, and never work well(unless the joint is already loose).
09-05-2011, 01:09 AM
#7
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: OH
Posts: 829
Don't use pickle forks, they suck.
Go get a real ball joint remover. Napa and others have one that looks like a big fat pair of blunt scissors(sort of) with a fork on one side and an arm on the other with a big *** bolt in it. Slip it on and tighten the bolt to pry the arms apart and separate the ball joint. That's what I use, just tighten it up really good and give it one or 2 good whacks with a hammer and they pop right out.
Pickle forks rarely work, and never work well(unless the joint is already loose).
Go get a real ball joint remover. Napa and others have one that looks like a big fat pair of blunt scissors(sort of) with a fork on one side and an arm on the other with a big *** bolt in it. Slip it on and tighten the bolt to pry the arms apart and separate the ball joint. That's what I use, just tighten it up really good and give it one or 2 good whacks with a hammer and they pop right out.
Pickle forks rarely work, and never work well(unless the joint is already loose).
09-05-2011, 08:50 AM
#9
M.A.D. Motorsports
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Indiana
Posts: 8,014
If you are talking about the TIE ROD END (steering knuckle)..... make sure your steering wheel is straight, soak it in penetrating oil, and heat the spindle up. Find a nut that fits the tie rod end and thread it on almost all the way and beat that part with the hammer. Using the right tools as said above does make things alot easier though.
09-05-2011, 12:49 PM
#10
3rd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 580
I did use those tools. I ended up getting it off with an angle grinder to the spindle...
Now, I have a ball joint press... I have 94' ball joints but I don't know how to use the press.... If I can do this I'll be able to finish my car finally
Now, I have a ball joint press... I have 94' ball joints but I don't know how to use the press.... If I can do this I'll be able to finish my car finally