help getting ball joints out

[EastCoast Banshee]

I dont know if its just me or what but for the life of me i cant get the damn ball joints to come off the knuckles. Iv got some +3+1 Lonestar a-arms coming sometime next week and i wanna have every thing rdy to go. So whats the best way to get them out?? :baseball_wacko: All suggestions are welcome :biggrin:

Edited June 17, 2006 by EastCoast Banshee

[pipebomb]

most times, you need a pickel fork(seperator) and a BFH and a some muscle.

[woodro77]

the best way to get them off is to hit the side of the knuckle with a hammer , it will vibrate loose from the shock of the hit. you dont need any special tools. make sure you dont hit the ball joint,

[EastCoast Banshee]

Thx guys ill give that a try. Hitting the ball joint isnt an issue these are stock a-arms that ill probly never use again.

[batoutofshell]

spin the nut just so it covers the end of the balljoint threads and give it a couple of good taps on the castle nut over the edge of a piece wood and you can resell the arms to recoup some of the cost of the new ones!!

[Wallrat]

I made my own tool out of a couple pieces of threaded pipe (think it was 1.5") and a coupling. After I remove the castle nuts I just tighten up the pipe into the coupling real tight then insert it in between the spindle. Next I put a couple pipe wrenches on it and start loosening it thereby expanding it. Usually after the first one pops I gotta reposition it to get the 2nd one. Works like a charm and cost me about $20 and about 5 minutes to make it. I can get both ball joints out in less than 5 minutes now.

[EastCoast Banshee]

After i go riding tommrow its time for teardown and ill try all your suggestions. thx again guys :thumb:

Edited June 18, 2006 by EastCoast Banshee

[Dead Op]

All you have to do is hit the spindle with a hammer. Works everytime!